Veterans: How long do you keep your "stuff?"

I think all my nieces and nephews have more of my stuff then I ever did. I do keep a bunch of stuff useful for camping and shooting though.

I still have my stuff, but most of it doesn't get used. ACUs are used if I have house painting to do, since I don't care if they get paint all over them. Hell it can improve how they look.

Boonie hat gets used when hiking too, cause it's good sun protection.

Military stuff and cop stuff...pretty much all gone except for a few mementos. I have a small box of plaques and awards and a small box of patches, badges, medals, ribbons and such. On the other hand, I have every single letter, picture, patch, etc...that my son (AF MSgt) ever sent me. I treasure that stuff far more than my own.

Without reading the thread, I think it'd be good keeping a small box of paper work for later generations that might care. I'd love to have more info on my grand parents for example.

copy and original of DD214 and actual Honorable Discharge cert, that's it. Oh and my boot yearbook.

If you have memories associated with some of the stuff take a photo, then sell it. That's the root of why we usually hold onto stuff. If your somewhat PC savvy, organized folders on your computer (backed up) are great. Then you could even get around to writing any valuable memories down and sticking them with the photos, sharing to nieces and nephews. For some, that could have a lot of value even if they aren't your kids. But if you keep just the stuff, the second you either forget the stories or pass away, it loses all attachment and just eats space in the meantime.

I've done a lot of digging on various uncle's great uncle's, great greats, etc. Most of the info is lost to time and their stuff is lost after a generation. The people that may be remembered forever are the ones that had someone write it down. One of my favorites is a WW one vet, who had a 12yo developmental level after scarlet fever as a child. He was a stable hand in a Calvary unit, a matter of pride he clung to until passing away in a shanty on a riverbank in his seventies. Stories don't have to be Hollywood action to be valued.

At any rate, just a different perspective. It seems everyone backs you up on "space is valuable".

hmm, still have the memories and nightmares, was tempted to lose my sea bag in a boating accident or rather drop it in the water as I crossed the brow for the last time.

Got rid of it pretty quick, I was out, no reserve time and I wasn't going back.

had my ribbons/medals for a while, but not sure where they are now, DD214 is recorded with the Linn County Clerk and Recorder in Oregon

have one dog tag and a name plate from my last ship on my key ring.

Slightly off topic, but interesting...

I bought an old wooden box at an antique store last summer in Lewiston. It was marked as having contained grenades. Had a pile of misc crap in it that I never looked thru until just a few weeks ago. When I finally made time to look thru it, I found a post card dated April 1909. It was in remarkably good condition. It was sent from "SBM" in Gunnison, CO and addressed to "Miss PE Millick" in Chilly, ID. I searched online and found a guy in Challis, ID with the same last name that owned a title company there. Chilly, ID had a post office from the early 1900s until about 1958. It's just a spot on a map now in Custer County near Challis. I spoke to a receptionist and told her what I'd found. She seemed excited and said she'd let the guy know as soon as he was done with a closing. He never got in touch with me.

I would love to have a piece of information historically significant to my family like that and was really disappointed no one reached out to me. It has to be the same family. Can't be that many people in Challis, ID with that name. But, the point is, things like that just aren't important to some people. I'm gonna hang on to it.

This is what I found:

https://i.imgur.com/wMtW4gm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Bt5hVik.jpg

I still have all pics, documents, awards, etc.

I only kept 1 or 2 sets of DCUs. ACUs got given away like the trash that they are. Sold my Blues that I was issued when I got stuck on recruiting duty.

Everything pretty much fits in a single footlocker, so it hasn't exactly been in the way.

Is there a place where this stuff can be donated outside of Goodwill? I have stuff in a Seabag, hanging in the closet, old woodlands, Marpat woodland and desert cammies and old chocolate chips cammies as well. Was planning on getting buried in Evening dress but opted for cremation, so that is a waste. It is out of sight sitting in a closet in the basement but prefer to get rid of this stuff and spare my son having to deal with it.