Veteran widow donates jackets, more to Airmen’s Attic Published March 20, 2018 By Tech. Sgt. James M. Hodgman 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – For nearly two years, Marina Cassimus of San Rafael, California, the widow of an Air Force veteran, planned to donate hundreds of jackets, books and videos to service members. For months, she made phone calls to a variety of government agencies without any luck. Then she contacted representatives at Travis Air Force Base, California, requesting to make a donation to the Airmen at the base. She said she wanted to contribute something to Airmen because her husband, Nicolas Cassimus, who died in August 2016, served in the Air Force Reserve, primarily as a mechanic in Texas. “My husband always said the jackets should go to the Air Force,” she said. “Our military members deserve support, and that’s where my husband’s heart was and that’s where my heart is. “We need to take care of the men and women who have served in our armed forces. We wouldn’t have the country we do today without them. Hopefully, the jackets, books and other things we donated today make somebody smile.” On March 17, three Airmen volunteered to drive to San Rafael to pick up the donations and bring them to the Airmen’s Attic at Travis, a 94-mile round trip. Tech. Sgt. Tony Jones, 60th Comptroller Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of military pay, was one of those Airmen. “It felt good to help out,” said Jones. “It was nice to meet Mrs. Cassimus and she seemed really appreciative. We can kind of keep her husband’s legacy going with the jackets and everything she donated and, hopefully, it’ll help one of our Airmen.” Master Sgt. Valerie Jones, Air Force Legal Operations Agency defense paralegal manager of the Western and Pacific region, echoed Tony’s sentiments. “It was an awesome opportunity to be a part of today,” she said. “It’s very satisfying to be able to help others and that’s why we’re here. I hope everybody takes advantage of what’s been donated.” The Airmen’s Attic is a place where active-duty military members and their families can get things they need such as clothing, uniforms, baby supplies, housewares and even furniture. The Airmen’s Attic is located inside Bldg. 247 at 560 Hickam Ave., and is open to military members in pay grades E-1 to E-5 and O-1 to O-2 from 4 to 6 p.m. every Wednesday, said Master Sgt. Philip Waite, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron support section noncommissioned officer in charge and the Travis Top 3 Airmen’s Attic committee chairperson.. On the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, the Airmen’s Attic is open to all ranks. Donations are also welcome when the Airmen’s Attic is open, Waite added.