Airman’s Closet opens at HARB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Aja Heiden, 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The first Airmen’s Closet opened its doors to members of Team Homestead, Sept. 1, to provide Airmen with uniforms and the opportunity to borrow small household appliances free of charge.

Opening an Airman’s Closet here was sparked to life by the 482nd Fighter Wing Innovation Team who noticed a need for uniforms.

“Our prior service Airmen were waiting months to receive their uniforms so we started looking for a solution,” said 2nd Lt. Shannon Antone, the 482nd FW yellow ribbon representative, who spearheaded the idea.

The Closet is located in Building 360, across from the honor guard cage, and will be open Monday thru Friday from noon to 3 p.m. and during Unit Training Assemblies from10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Airmen are allotted three articles of clothing per person when they visit the Closet.

The Airman’s Closet was created in a joint effort between the 482nd Force Support Squadron Airmen and Family Readiness Center and the 482nd FW Innovation Team.

The innovation team consists of wing personnel who work together to improve morale and process improvement.

“We heard Col. Garfield’s message of “strength in unity” so we got together to start the Airman’s Closet,” said Antone.

Having a proper uniform can aid a new Airman’s perspective.

“It helps them feel like they are part of the team,” said Antone. “We want them to embrace the idea of being in the AF Reserve.”

The items available in the closet come from Airmen who have donated their old uniforms for other Airmen to use. Airmen can donate clean, servable uniforms, boots and hats.

“We could use more Airman battle uniforms, boots, and service dress uniforms,” said Antone. “The goal is to get new members in their ABUs as soon as possible.”

Airmen can get involved with the Airman’s Closet by contacting their first sergeant.

“We would like to have a point of contact from each unit dropping off donations and aiding new Airmen who need uniforms because this will give our Airmen opportunities to lead and take care of each other by supporting the wing and bringing us all together,” said Antone.

In addition to uniforms, the Airman’s Closet also has small appliances which can be loaned out.

Those wanting to keep up with the Closet can use the My Air Force Life App to view updates on what is available there.

“The app will have information about the Airman’s Closet and other useful information so we urge members to begin downloading the application,” said Staff Sgt. Marcela A. Scalia, a 482nd Maintenance Squadron support administrator.

Airmen can contact the Airmen and Family Readiness center at 482FSS.FSFR.SUPPORT@us.af.mil or (786) 415-7329 to schedule a time to pick up uniforms or borrow appliances.