Why buy when you can borrow?

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • Thunderbolt Editor
MacDill AFB, Fla --  What to do? Rent or buy? Lease or own? How about borrowing it? 

These can be tough decisions for Airmen who must be prepared to move on what sometimes is short notice, which is what makes the base Loan Locker such a valuable asset for those who find themselves arriving in Tampa Bay well ahead of their household belongings. And it's free. 

"From furniture and appliances, to knives and forks, the Loan Locker is set up to "set you up," said Mike Tyler, Loan Locker manager. 

"It's a good thing whether you are PCSing in or out," he said. "We've got basically every kind of household item you could need." 

"The most common items needed include air beds and cooking utensils," said Mr. Tyler.
"People realize they have nothing to sleep on, or nothing to eat off of, so they call us." 

The process is quick and easy, and is available to any active servicemember or DoD employee. A call to the Loan Locker at 828-3224 to set up an appointment to come and browse available items at the storage building, located in the shopping plaza adjacent to the base pool, is all that's needed to get started. 

"Once items to borrow are chosen, a receipt is given to the borrower, who has up to 60 days to return the items. Most everything is in new or nearly new condition," said Mr. Tyler, who added that the entire Loan Locker inventory is purchased new using a special acquisition fund from the Airman and Family Readiness Center. 

Other popular items loaned include baby and child furniture and accessories. Car seats, cribs, high chairs and the like make it easy to set up a nursery and make life easier for parents in short order, and at no cost. 

"If you had to go out and buy those things, or rent them, it could add up to a lot pretty fast," said Mr. Tyler. 

Tech Sgt. Kristine Keyser, NCO of Family Readiness, said the Loan Locker, both at MacDill and her previous station at Scott AFB, have been a "saving grace" and a cost saver. 

"It helped me when transport took my things when I left, and it helps when you arrive before your things," said Sergeant Keyser. "It's something not everyone is aware is available, but something they need to know about." 

With the stress military life can put on a family, the Loan Locker not only provides practical solutions, but peace of mind in a military life where the only constant is change. 

"When you move, it's hard on anybody," said Mr. Tyler, but with the in and out processing associated with a change of duty station or deployment, the Loan Locker can mean just one less thing to worry about. 

"That's why we're here," said Mr. Tyler.