Airmen build opportunity to combine volunteerism, learning

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 944th Civil Engineer Squadron seized another opportunity to provide training for their Airmen and contribute to the Luke Air Force Base community during the August Unit Training Assembly.

Senior Airman Donald McGuire, 944th CES structure specialist, became the driving force for two major projects at the Luke Air Force Base Airman's Attic, a nonprofit volunteer and donation based organization.

It all began when McGuire volunteered at the Airman's Attic through an internship program with Glendale Community College as part of a nonprofit management and leadership master's degree program from Arizona State University.

"I anticipated I'd be sorting through donated items and stocking them on the shelves," McGuire said.

The experience turned out to be much more and by the time his required 45 hours of volunteer service was complete he had developed and was in charge of two major construction improvement projects.

"Airman McGuire has become a very valuable asset at the Airman's Attic," said Katrina Garza, Airman's Attic manager. "Had we known of his capabilities we would have tapped into his skills a long time ago. Without his knowledge and skills we would still be in the talking and planning phases of our current projects."

The first project McGuire developed was an enclosed child care area, dubbed "the Kid Zone." The Kid Zone is a place for children to play while parents shop or volunteer at the Airman's Attic.

The second project was an addition to the Airman's Attic that would add retail space and provide room for a new nonprofit organization called the Cinderella and Prince Charming Closet.

The Cinderella and Prince Charming Closet is a place where junior Airmen can rent uniforms and dresses for graduations, proms, weddings and Air Force ceremonies or balls. Normally, dress uniforms can cost an Airman up to $500. The Cinderella and Prince Charming Closet allows Airmen the opportunity to attend these events without the added expense.

"We seize any and all opportunities to train and hone our skills," said Anthony Harback, 944th CES operations superintendent, about the 944th's involvement with the Airman's Attic projects. "This is one of those perfect opportunities as a tenant unit to integrate with and assist our host community and gain valuable training at the same time."