LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
When the Langley Air Force Base Thrift Shop re-opens this spring, it will have a brand new look and a new location. The thrift shop is scheduled to open sometime in April and will be located on the second floor above the Airman's Attic next to the Community Center in the BX parking lot.
"The thrift shop project has been in work for the past five months and is coming together very nicely," said Robin Milewski, Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Department senior vice president.
"This is truly a TEAM Langley effort," said Jody Turner, one of several thrift shop volunteers.
The VFW Post 824 ladies auxiliary, Post 824 members, 192nd Fighter Wing, 633rd Air Base Wing, 1st Fighter Wing, 480th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Wing and Headquarters Air Combat Command representatives have been working diligently to make the thrift shop a reality once again.
"When my husband and I returned to Langley in the fall of 2009, we were disappointed to find out that the thrift shop had closed. We knew that there had to be a way to re-open a new and improved thrift shop under a new private organization and Colonel and Mrs. [Donald] Kirkland, [633rd ABW commander] were immediately on board," said Mrs. Beverly Fraser, spouse of Gen. William Fraser, Air Combat Command commander. "As a result of their support, I have watched the thrift shop come to fruition and the collective efforts of both military families and community partners have truly made this a successful venture."
The reopening of the thrift shop has been a goal of Colonel Kirkland, since taking command.
"The challenge was partnering with a private organization willing to assume operational control, volunteer their resources and maintain the day-to-day responsibilities of the thrift shop," said Colonel Kirkland. "I'm extremely pleased that VFW Post 824 members and ladies auxiliary have stepped up to the challenge."
"The return of our thrift shop will provide many opportunities and benefits for our Langley community, especially our military families," said Judy Kirkland, one of the volunteers helping to set-up the thrift shop. "I am looking forward to opening day."
Beginning today, the shop will be open to accept donations. Starting March 21, the shop will begin to accept consignments from the Langley community. Airmen, dependents, Department of Defense civilians and retirees will be able to consign their gently used or unwanted items, or simply donate them to the thrift shop. All proceeds from the sales, donations and consignments will directly benefit the Langley community.
Once the shop opens, sales will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday and Friday each week, as well as Saturdays during Air National Guard drill weekends. Consignments will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the same days. Additionally, the Langley Thrift Shop will accept consignments each Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The thrift shop will be closed holidays and military family days.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the thrift shop, contact Robin Milewski at 223-5763.
Volunteers meet every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the thrift shop.