Ellsworth ALS students revamp B-ONE Yard

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Students from Ellsworth Airman Leadership School volunteered their time renovating and cleaning the B-ONE Yard Thrift and Consignment store, Nov. 23, as part of an ongoing effort to lead Airmen by example.

The class of 28 Airmen worked on several projects throughout the day including repainting walls, organizing and labeling inventory and building cleanup.

"This was a great opportunity for us to help out our local base thrift store," said Staff Sgt. Tyler Dunn, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron structures technician and ALS class 14-2 leader. "We were able to work on team-building skills and camaraderie and lend a hand to a store that does a lot for Airmen."

While its primary purpose is to function as a non-profit thrift shop, the B-ONE Yard also offers various programs designed to provide savings for active duty members and their families. The store offers eligible Airmen resources ranging from a loan closet, which offers necessary household items, to a car seat program that provides Airmen one free convertible infant car seat per family.

"Every class is challenged to come up with a volunteer project to aid the community," said Master Sgt. Christy McCormick, 28th Force Support Squadron ALS commandant. "These projects help develop well-rounded students and instill ideals that they will carry with them for the rest of their career."

Dunn added that while completing a community service project is an ALS expectation, it is also an opportunity for junior supervisors to learn more about services that are available for Airmen and their families.

"It feels good to give back to our fellow Airmen and the local community," said Senior Airman Bryant Reinart, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron B-1 bomber crew chief. "Being able to lend a hand where help is needed is one of the many reasons why I love being an Airman. That's what I signed up to do."