What's in your military treasure box?

2014-08-18T20:07:53-04:00

Do you have a box/s of military treasures that you would run into a burning house to save? What do you have in there and why is it significant? Most importantly, does everybody else know the significance? You see it all the time. Someone inherits something in grandma and grandpa's attic and it looks cool, but you don't know the whole story behind it. What is in YOUR box?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 8:25 PM

2014-08-18T20:25:52-04:00

I have a safe of military treasures... but I doubt I am running in to grab it... I will search the rubble afterwards and recover.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 8:35 PM

2014-08-18T20:35:33-04:00

I wouldn't try and save my "treasures" I'd be hoping for the best. However my most prized possession is a flag that was flown over a base in Afganistan on the 10yr Anniversery of 9-11. Hopefully if someone were to come across it the certificate that is with it would explain the significance of it

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 18 at 2014 8:36 PM

2014-08-18T20:36:07-04:00

My copy of my DD-214 I don't trust the bank (my SD box) or town hall to actually have the copy I have on file with them when I really need it.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 18 at 2014 8:41 PM

2014-08-18T20:41:15-04:00

I would tell you .. but then I'd have to... oh, never mind.. I probably have the same stuff as everyone else, including a WOOBIE!

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Aug 18 at 2014 10:39 PM

2014-08-18T22:39:03-04:00

A few years ago I went to an auction and bought an old wooden military issue tool chest that had been used by a Marine as a footlocker in WWII. It has a USMC padlock on it and had been stored in a barn and forgotten since 1945. It was an incredible time capsule. The owner had candles in it and they had melted all around everything. A Japanese newspaper had disintegrated and confetti from it coated everything. It took a long time to get everything out of the wax, but I found German coins, an engagement ring box, Parker pens from his high school graduation, airplane tools, a black book with girls names and numbers, base passes, and lots of other stuff. The best thing was the dog tags that were the old style with acid etched fingerprints.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Aug 18 at 2014 10:49 PM

2014-08-18T22:49:05-04:00

Most of my box is now mounted on a sword holder that I made. I was only recently able to justify buying my NCO sword and it is so dam cool I just had to show it off. The plaque that holds it and its crossed scabbard is surrounded by My ribbons and shooting badges, ROKMC badge, MACSOG badge, ARVN armor and rangers pins, a M48 and 1st MarDiv pin, my original PFC and Cpl. chevrons (the black all worn off and tarnished) and a plate that capsulizes my Marine history.

Still in the box: some linked 7.62, M1 clip, a black ARVN tanker beret, thread bare ROK camo jacket, a rather large chunk of razor sharp shrapnel, about 200 photos and about 300' of super-8 film. Lastly Marine docs and the MS. for my first book....oh yeah, the SKS in the gun safe. All of that pretty much tells its own story.

Response by Sgt Andrew Pouliot made Aug 19 at 2014 1:37 AM

2014-08-19T01:37:32-04:00

I still have a storage unit which I had gotten before the deployment to put my life into while I was in Afghanistan. I have hard cases in it full of my cammies, skivvies, boot socks, deployment gear that I picked up in Afghanistan, and a cardboard box full of books I read on the deployment (over 40 of them). I also have another box full of stuff including paperwork, challenge coins, and various mementos from throughout my life.

Response by Capt Byron Chen made Aug 20 at 2014 2:43 AM

2014-08-20T02:43:46-04:00

My Marines had this thing cut from metal (about 3' by 2') and gave it to me during the deployment. I've received mounted awards, framed pictures, and lovely plaques, but damn it, if I don't love this thing and how it reminds me of that unit. I would leave everything else behind before losing it. Fortunately, I don't think it would burn down.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Aug 20 at 2014 8:12 AM

2014-08-20T08:12:51-04:00

After I retired, I bought a large plastic footlocker with a rubber seal around the top. I sealed my uniforms in vacuum pack bags and put them in the box. I got a box big enough so that I could put my combo cover box and the chief's cutlass my crew gave me when I retired inside the box. What I have learned over the years is that things are easily separated, lost, sold, and given away. If not properly stored, stuff is ruined and tossed out. If you want to pass things down to your kids and grandkids, you should take the time to store it and identify it correctly.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 11:27 AM

2014-08-21T11:27:29-04:00

I have my grandpa's medals from WWII, the flag that was on his coffin when he passed, a picture of his platoon from basic training, my few ribbons, my C-cap from my class A's, a C cap and epaulets from my former love's uniform of the Luftwaffe, and my basic training platoon photo.

Response by MSgt Lancia Stewart made Aug 21 at 2014 2:05 PM

2014-08-21T14:05:27-04:00

I have the Stars and Stripes issue from the day the Berlin Wall fell, my first unit patch, and my very last SCIF badge lanyard I made (550 cord with a noose for the badge).

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 4:39 PM

2014-08-21T16:39:57-04:00

I hate to say this - not one thing from my military service. Yes, they're valuable - but things can be replaced.

Response by SPC Richard White made Aug 21 at 2014 9:01 PM

2014-08-21T21:01:22-04:00

Here is my shadow box

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 21 at 2014 10:27 PM

2014-08-21T22:27:52-04:00

Mah coins!!!! Well, first my son, then the coins =)

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 2:55 PM

2014-08-22T14:55:49-04:00

I have a 2" binder with all my certs., awards, pics, ribbons, medals, and pics of my dad's, brother's, and granddad's pics/medals.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Oct 27 at 2014 7:14 AM

2014-10-27T07:14:13-04:00

I have my jr and senior drill instructor's belts on my wall and a few pics for military treasures. My papers are in a fireproof safe. However if I had to go in a fire I'd be rescuing my daughter and go back for the cats.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 8:52 AM

2014-10-27T08:52:18-04:00

My box contains a flag from every country that I have worked in, my "I Love Me" book, photos if me and some of my teams and counterparts as well as some gifts that were given to me (and yes they are approved by the DoD 5500.7-R Joint Ethics Regulation). Some people know the significance behind some of the items and some are mainly just for my own personal reflection.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 5:48 PM

2014-10-27T17:48:01-04:00

My deployment flag. It went to the Middle East with me and back 4 times. Everything else is replaceable. That flag is not.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Nov 16 at 2014 5:11 AM

2014-11-16T05:11:02-05:00

Here are a few things I ran across in my digital files.

EGA cover iron on, Grunt business cards, NVA propaganda, Hoi An bar chit, ARVN tanker beret badge, C-rat matches, Oki 45 club matches, Laundry slip (R&R), Pic from Chris Noel AFRTV (front and back-met her again 20 years later), 7.62, AK clip, 5.56...... My manifest chit for my flight home.
Lot of memories here.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2014 8:40 PM

2014-11-16T20:40:31-05:00

I have pics, medals, letters and ribbons from my brother Stan, who was a Navy storekeeper in Nam, my dad Glenn, who was a Army radioman stationed in Iceland during WW2, my uncle Cecil, and uncle Earl who were also in the Army during WW2, my grandfather Clarence, who was in WW1.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2014 9:35 PM

2014-11-16T21:35:10-05:00

Original jump wings awarded in 1975
82d Airborne Division wrist watch awarded in 1977 (Trooper of the Month award)

Response by SPC Blaine Cohick made Nov 16 at 2014 10:06 PM

2014-11-16T22:06:42-05:00

My grandfathers bayonets that he brought back from WWII. On the left is a Japanese Bayonet and on the right is his US Bayonet. Very interesting, I can't imagine what these two weapons have seen.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 16 at 2014 10:51 PM

2014-11-16T22:51:53-05:00

Ya'll are probably sick of reading post where I mention this, but my 'box of treasure' is the shadow box of my Grandfathers awards and decorations. He is an original member (I always say that, because that is how he refers to himself when speaking about his time in Burma) of the Merrill's Marauders. I would go into a burning building to save his original medals and patches...

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Nov 16 at 2014 11:46 PM

2014-11-16T23:46:23-05:00

I have a photo of my Great Grandfather in uniform along with a surfmans medal. He was in the predecessor of the Coast Guard. Pretty neat.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 4:29 AM

2014-11-17T04:29:59-05:00

Just my Airman's Coin so far, but that pretty much stays in my pocket.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 6:54 AM

2014-11-17T06:54:07-05:00

I've got a Hitler youth knife and a can of sand labeled Omaha beach, both from my grandfather. I have added an Iraqi bayonet, helmet and ammo pouch. Two flags flown over FOB RAMADI (formerly know as FOB Junction city (2003), one for each of my Sons. I also have every major news magazine all dated Sept 12, 2001

Response by PFC Stephens Clark made Nov 17 at 2014 3:46 PM

2014-11-17T15:46:46-05:00

my Box of Military treasures include, all my Military documents, and I have every single Military piece from my father who served in Korea from 1950-51 may he rest in peace. I also have his flag and all his medals. Waiting to see if any of my kids will serve when they are old enough. I have one Son and one Daughter that tell me they want to serve. I would be the Proudest Father ever.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 8:15 PM

2014-11-17T20:15:28-05:00

my military treasure box is knowing that the 4th generation serving in the military

Response by SSgt Bobby Skinner made Nov 20 at 2014 6:47 AM

2014-11-20T06:47:41-05:00

Civil War stuff like a Sword, Rifle, Money and a Newspaper from the Vicksburg Gazzette printed on the back of wallpaper and the last thing it says is General Grant has "caught the rabbit"

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 4:07 AM

2014-12-29T04:07:43-05:00

My Dad's id tag and his "Ruptured Duck" lapel pin from his time in the Navy during World War II, and the flag from his coffin. There's lot's of stuff that I've acquired during my own service over the years, but those three are the ones that mean the most to me.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 7:38 PM

2014-12-29T19:38:14-05:00

An 82nd Airborne Division wristwatch that I received as an award for being the 82nd Airborne Division Trooper of the Month, April 1977. Have I mentioned that before, SFC Mark Merino? :-)

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 29 at 2014 8:02 PM

2014-12-29T20:02:27-05:00

SFC Mark Merino, I have my own stuff, course, and I even have things that my father collected in WWII, such as handmade wooden Japanese chess pieces from Okinawa and his original commission as an Ensign in the Navy. However, the two items that I value most are the original discharges of my grandfathers from WWI. My maternal grandfather, Pvt Preuit I. Holland, was discharged from the Army on 12DEC18 and my paternal grandfather, Cpl George D. Curlee was discharged from the Army on 10FEB19. Cpl Curlee was the company clerk and the discharge is written in his own hand, which borders on pure calligraphy. If the house was on fire, I'd go after these two pieces.

1LT Sandy Annala and 1LT L S

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 9:49 PM

2014-12-29T21:49:54-05:00

My most valued treasure is a letter written by an 80 something-year-old World War II veteran's widow thanking me when I was a PFC for volunteering to be the lone honor guard at her late husband's funeral

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 29 at 2014 10:53 PM

2014-12-29T22:53:29-05:00

I do not have a military treasures box. My treasure is flesh and blood and still loves her pink bunny.

Response by 1SG Jason Fitzpatrick made Dec 30 at 2014 11:45 AM

2014-12-30T11:45:35-05:00

I have my Grandfather's WW One Victory Medal and Webley revolver, My Father's 1911A1 that he carried in the Airforce and bought through the Civilian Marksmanship Program, My first set of DogTags, the battle map of Mogadishu that I carried as a team leader, a Mason jar full of the sand on the Beech of Mombasa Kenya, a Marine Non-commissioned officers Sword that one of my former Soldiers who was a former marine presented to me when he returned From Officer Candidates School, a star cut from a U.S. Flag that flew over a home until the weather caused it to be too tattered to be presentable, and my Retirement Flag. I also have the assortment of other DooDads, but I would risk life and limb for those items.

Response by PO1 Jotham Anderson made Jan 1 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-01-01T12:54:47-05:00

I will have my medals and ribbons as well as all the rank insignia I've worn over the 20 years I served. Just finished the design of the box and will build it with some nice figured wood as soon as I finish a coffee table for my wife.

Response by LTC Richard Wasserman made Jan 1 at 2015 6:16 PM

2015-01-01T18:16:16-05:00

Before I went to Afghanistan, I didn't own a rifle prior to 1898. Now I have 10.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 7 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-01-07T09:59:49-05:00

My favorite thing is shrapnel from an Excalibur mission that my company called in while deployed to Iraq. What's special here is that this was the first ever Excalibur mission to be done in Iraq. After the round hit, we went to the impact site and I reached down into the impact hole and grabbed some pieces of shrapnel. The Excalibur round is worth reading about if you have 5 mins over coffee.

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/86733/wolfhounds-prepare-cannon-calibration#.VK1JHmTF8wQ

Wolfhounds prepare for cannon calibration

1st Lt. Aaron Kletzing, a Chicago native, ensures the impact zone is clear on April 26 before the firing of an Excalibur round from a M777 Howitzer on Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad. Kletzing is the fire support officer for Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Brian Pierce)

Response by SFC Keith Frain made Jan 7 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-01-07T13:57:08-05:00

Funny thing about this question is that although I too have a "military treasure box" its not exactly my foot-locker"... the items inside are mine of course, but the foot-locker is a WWII Army Air Corps Service members foot-locker. I was at an estate sale and I saw this mint condition gem... I paid 20.00 for it! I tried to explain the significance of this to the "seller" ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PERSONS NAME, RANK, AND SSN are carved into the lid! I was told that none of the remaining family members wanted it. Welcome to my family...but like you stated, I will need to explain, less I want my kids to think I was "Agent Secret Squirrel!" Or a thief.. . lol

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Jan 7 at 2015 3:20 PM

2015-01-07T15:20:59-05:00

I have a small glass topped box with stuff that nobody would care about but me... There is a belt buckle, dog tags, a few challenge coins, my original Boot Camp ID card, a leather name tag from my flight suit, a couple unexpended 5.56 mm rounds, a K-bar and a couple or three assorted Marine Corps emblems and enlisted and WO rank ensignia. I also have about a dozen name/org pins with my name and the organization emblem, that kind of outlines my career. A favorite one reads "SJ DuBOIS...Marine Adviser" for a Navy Command....and my advice was that Marines don't wear name pins, the answer "You will here".., so that tells you how much pull that name pin had. I also have a foot locker with various pieces of uniforms, books and folders... pay/health/FitReps, etc. I keep envisioning people going through it after I'm gone someday, like the scavengers on "Storage Wars" dumping it all on the ground saying.."junk... just some Jarhead junk"...or my grandson haggling with Chumley at a Pawn shop over some 'vintage name tags".

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 7 at 2015 7:29 PM

2015-01-07T19:29:22-05:00

Regretfully, I lost my most prized military possession. A Marine Corps issue tie clip. My dad wore it graduation Paris Island. He got special permission for me to wear it Sandiego graduation 40 years later. It was black, not gold like today. Hopefully it's in a box and I'll come across it some day. How many genuine issue items walked across both boot camps during two different wars?

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jan 8 at 2015 10:43 AM

2015-01-08T10:43:55-05:00

I have a box now that I made myself, displays my mini-medals and other devices which is my closet. Has my retirement flag, dog tags etc. the drawer keeps all my challenge coins and large medals that were earned etc. I had lost almost everything from my office during Hurricane Katrina. That is all that is left. 21 years of memorabilia. most cannot be replaced. The awards, plaques, trophys etc I donated to the Special Olympics.

i still have my original enlistment papers, all my apr/eprs (on thumb drive and cloud) and my Retirement Cert signed by George W Bush.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Jan 20 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-01-20T15:42:20-05:00

My dads WW2 foot locker and his silver star

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Jan 20 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-01-20T19:10:37-05:00

I still have my 8x19 black and white glossy of Commanding General of the MDW pinning my EIB on me in 77.

Response by SSG John Bacon made Jan 20 at 2015 9:34 PM

2015-01-20T21:34:35-05:00

I have the Gold Pocket watch that my Great uncle Charlie Bacon Carried with him in WWI. and The "bus driver" cap Emblem from my Grand Father who served in the Pacific during WWII.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Jan 24 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-01-24T12:49:44-05:00

To begin with, there is the traditional Shoebox With The Blue Box and various small items, awards, decorations, photographs, pocket New Testament and a wickedly-shaped piece of cast iron that did not tear into my flesh during one of those alerts early one morning. Bundle of MPC and RVN currency.

Outside the shoebox,

The folder with both honorable discharge certificates, draft notice, various "Honor Graduate" certificates, the Bronze Star paperwork.

One slim folder with both DD-214s, relevant orders and other documents. Several fat folders with copies of other orders that I might sort through some day.

Then there's the Mnong truck spring knife, and some wonderfully cheesy-looking photo albums with 3-D images of ladies on the front and a foul-smelling adhesive within to hold the photos in place. Which it did for the first twenty years or so.

Somewhere in storage is The Duffel Bag.

Response by SGT(P) Khalid Wise made Jan 29 at 2015 4:04 PM

2015-01-29T16:04:09-05:00

After my better half and daughter as well as twin boys, my treasure box contains all the memorabilia that visually tell the tales of the depth and breadth of my training in dual services and deployed service to Afghanistan and Iraq (twice). Always Out Front - For GOD, COUNTRY, CORPS (US MARINE & US ARMY MI)!!

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Feb 4 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-02-04T12:17:38-05:00

I have my grandfather's "EGA" emblem, my father's dog tags and two of his EGA, i have the rank insignia from my mother's uniform, and my nametag, rank and brass. Its a small box, but it holds so much for me.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 7 at 2015 9:42 AM

2015-02-07T09:42:30-05:00

Memories . . .

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 11:55 AM

2015-02-09T11:55:17-05:00

I have some things I would like to save. But I doub my immediate family (i.e. Daughter, spouse), would keep any of my items after my death. (Wife is a foreigner and daughter is being brought up in foreign culture).

I just wish I had been home when my great uncle passed away years ago. Unfortunately, this WWII hero with two purple hearts , bronze and silver Stars, among other awards.... Was thrown out by the "estate" people who handled his "case" and sold his property away without asking me his only family he chose to leave his Inheritance.

Still sadness me to think people can be so ruthless when it comes down to the almighty dollar, with no respect for the dead hero and his personal history.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 12:12 PM

2015-02-09T12:12:11-05:00

I have a shadow box of my medals and ribbons as well as a flag that represents my dads WWII service and numerous citations and combat maps of areas of Europe during WWII and the Philippians where my dad was and a couple of photos of myself in Bieruit , Germany, Columbia, and in Grenada

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-02-09T12:23:27-05:00

The most valued and precious are memories.

I have boxes full of things and a stack of wall hangings. They are all material and don't mean as much as the people I worked with. At best they help remind me of the memories.

Response by PO1 Timothy Gould made Feb 9 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-02-09T13:06:57-05:00

I have two photos, framed. One is a shot of a SM-1 launch caught by someone with a cheap camera and reminds me that luck does sometime play a roll and that Murphy does have a evil sense of humor. The other is of my last ship and is signed by the entire division.

Response by PO1 Clifford Lake made Feb 9 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-02-09T13:23:14-05:00

In my Shadow Box, I have an American Flagflown over the Capital as well as all my medals and ribbons, plaques with all the dates and duty stations I was at, I do have my dress blues in a special plastic box so some day I will be able to wear thewm again and trust me I will, I also have some small boxes in various lopcations throughout the house whit other momentems of my career of 20 years.
Thanks for asking
Cliff
AS1(AW)
USN Retired

Response by Matthew Torrelli made Feb 9 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-02-09T13:28:31-05:00

Yes I purchased a WW2 Army / Air Force footlocker which holds all my awards,my book of certificates, my dress blues, and a few other small Military items from my time in the Active Army between 1999-2013

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made Feb 9 at 2015 1:34 PM

2015-02-09T13:34:11-05:00

My thanks to all who shared true treasures here. After retiring, like many of you I had boxes with names tags, patches, badges and rank insignias doing nothing but wasting space so I made this box to define my career.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Feb 9 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-02-09T14:12:15-05:00

Not really. But I do have my dolphins that are old and crusty (like me).

Response by PO2 Paul Redden made Feb 9 at 2015 2:18 PM

2015-02-09T14:18:05-05:00

Funny thing, I lost mine in a house fire.

Response by SSG Adam Fugal made Feb 9 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-02-09T15:11:27-05:00

I have a Leopold MKIV 3.5X10 Scope that a friend Purchased for my M-14 for my last deployment to Iraq. Its mounted on my Rifle at home along with the pictures of it on the rifle. I couldn't keep the Rifle they wanted that back.

Response by SGT Gabriel G. made Feb 9 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-02-09T15:12:46-05:00

I've got my original Airborne wings, my ARCOM, my two sets of Thai wings, my De Oppresso Liber stuff from my class As, my ribbons, pretty much everything.

Response by SFC Gary Stanfill made Feb 9 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-02-09T15:47:06-05:00

Funny this should come up at this time....I have in the past few days had my lap top set up were I can record my military history on it and leave it for my nephew along with my class A,my dd214 and all the Award and things.....I have already given him my Shadow Box...He told his Mom he wanted to hang in his room..Thats were it is...My nephew is the Youngest of 14 that I have...The others are all grown up..I was not able due to my service to be around my other ones much when they were growing up...I am single and I have no childrens to leave my things to....

Response by SSG(P) Jarrod Taylor made Feb 9 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-02-09T16:12:40-05:00

I served from 2000-2009, and that time included four deployments to various places. I have some of my militaria scattered in different places. My journal from Iraq is in a lock box. My medals, badges, and other awards are in a shadow-box behind my desk in my classroom. My uniforms are in footlockers in the attic, separated into BDU, DCU, and ACU.

I do have an old 1950s footlocker sitting in my garage. It is green and has someone's name and serial number stenciled on the lid. It has shipping labels from Korea, and the leather handles are worn out.

This is my military treasure box. It has knives that I picked up from locals in Afghanistan. It has newspaper clipping from different newsworthy missions and operations that I participated in. There are letters from my wife and cards from friends and family. You can find my first pair of airborne wings, my first CIB, and my first set of crossed rifles. There are some toy soldiers, a red and white checked scarf, and hand drawn pictures from school kids. You will find a pocket watch adorned with an American eagle, that my wife's grandfather gave to me. There is a small wooden cross wrapped in copper wire in there. The cross was given to me by a woman in the airport in Atlanta while I was passing through on R&R. The wire came from an IED trigger point. My dad's olive drab fatigue shirt is in there, and so is my boonie cap in which I wrote every stop I made on every deployment. You will find currency, from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Europe, Iraqi, Djibouti, and Ethiopia, and a cellular phone with Arabic on the keys. There are maps from different deployments and bases in there. There are printed programs from military balls, welcome home ceremonies, and memorial services. There is a uniform photo of my Great-Uncle Mike, who's bomber went down over Corsica in 1944. There is a booklet from JPAC explaining the bits of his remains that were located in 2006, and that I escorted back to our hometown in 2010.

My daughter never knew me as a soldier, and my son only remembers the things he has been told. I remember finding my father's uniforms tucked away in the back of his closet, and I was amazed. Sometimes I hope my own children will find my box someday, and we can sit down and talk about my military service. Until then, I get into my box occasionally, and I remember things. Sometimes looking at something or smelling something can take me back to a time when I was young, strong, brave, and invincible. It is nice to remember.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-02-09T16:32:07-05:00

Beside my usual shadow box material and certificates I started collecting Medal of Honor recipients autographs most on postal covers bought from Ebay. Got intetested when the postal service started the MOH stamp series. WW2 Korea and Vietnam soon to come out. Planning to frame some autographs with the stamp sheet display and some in an album! Also have my dads WW2 Navigator wings. Mounted those on a frame with a pix of my dad in uniform .

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-02-09T16:39:14-05:00

Also have GI Joe action figures including about a dozen representing MOH recipients. I also affixed a few corresponding autographs to the box. Much fun to collect memorabilia of our heroes!

Response by SPC George Long made Feb 9 at 2015 5:04 PM

2015-02-09T17:04:42-05:00

My Fathers Flag and maybe a couple things of mine.

Response by SGT Bret Kelly made Feb 9 at 2015 5:07 PM

2015-02-09T17:07:32-05:00

I went from Basic, to AIT, to Airborne school to SFQC, at 19yrs of age. When I arrived and was in Prephase training in Bco Tng Bn some General Officer decided that SF could no longer wear a Green Beret. We could not wear them anyway as we had yet to complete any training. Upon arriving back at Bco Tng Bn just prior to being sent to Aco on Smoke Bomb hill, we were informed that said Gen. was informed that he did not have the authority to counter a Presidential order and the Beret returned, we were issued a green Beret and were told to use the center 1/4 inch of the flash of the unit to which we were to be assigned and if we had no pinpoint assignment to use the flash of the Tng Bn ( all white) directly under the SF crest on our beret called a "Candy Stripe". I still have that beret, and even though I failed 300 F1 at Ft. Sam the time I spent in that training and on the hill are some of my fondest memories. I would risk my life to protect that Beret.

Response by SGT Robert Riley made Feb 9 at 2015 5:07 PM

2015-02-09T17:07:48-05:00

All 37 photo albums covering my 23 years of service (including photos from boot camp when I smuggled a Disc camera in), my currency from all the countries I visited; my original Kevlar helmet,ensign from the Cutter Escanaba, that I took on every other deployment during both Coast Guard and Army careers,my unit patches, my medals, a sword, I bought in a bazaar in Afghanistan and a memorial card with the names of the 14 soldiers, my battalion lost during a two week period in Iraq and lots of other things. My exwife never appreciated the sentimental value but my daughter did, so she'll probably get them when God decides it is time for my extraction.

Response by SFC Edward Hall made Feb 9 at 2015 6:07 PM

2015-02-09T18:07:59-05:00

My service medals and decorations and my fathers Mexican Border Service medal and World War I Victory Medal.

Response by MSgt Stephanie McCalister made Feb 9 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-02-09T18:39:29-05:00

My dad's shadow box the nursing home provided for his room so visitors would know a veteran resided there. Also his VA 'issued' funeral flag. My mom insisted I have it, because she kept the regulation sized funeral flag I'd had flown for him at Mildenhall RAF, England. They met while he was stationed at Bentwaters, & Mildenhall was a base they'd often come to visit me when I flew through. I had the flag flown for him, while he was still cognizant of himself & most his memories as he descended into Alzheimers. My family was mostly all present when I presented him & my mother with that flag, & read them the letter the base had included, thanking him for the honor of flying that flag for him & for his service. He hugged onto that flag the rest of the day, not letting it out of his sight. After he was gone, my mother kept it, and asked me to accept the one from the VA in his memory, since I was also a veteran. Sitting here in tears reliving the memories.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-02-09T18:42:09-05:00

Simply put no. Uniforms medals and that stuff will be sold off soon. My dress blues I will put in a display case along with an nco sword when I get to that point.

Response by SFC Dave Hopkins Jr. made Feb 9 at 2015 7:05 PM

2015-02-09T19:05:06-05:00

Not really a treasure box, per say. I have a lots of momentos, plaques, awards, achievements, photos on my rec room walls. A lot of memories are in my head and I've passed a lot of them on to my kids. They were there for some of them. Memories are for sharing with others.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Feb 9 at 2015 7:41 PM

2015-02-09T19:41:11-05:00

This WWII field dressing stamped 1940. It was given to me by a German social worker who got it from a patient of hers.

Response by LTC Christopher Sands made Feb 9 at 2015 7:41 PM

2015-02-09T19:41:34-05:00

I have a few things of my Father, Grandfather, 2 Great Uncles and my Great-Great Grandfather from the Civil War.

The Civil War print was give to every person who served that lived in New Jersey. Mark Greengrove, Co E, 8th Regiment NJ Volunteer Infantry. WIA at the Battle of Williamsburg and again at Gettysburg, on the second day, in The Wheatfield.

My Grandfather, Eugene Sands, WWI unit picture. Battery B, 2nd Trench Mortar Battalion. He was 10% disabled by a gas attack. Notice, no print. Gas was not considered worthy of being Wounded.

My Great Uncle Mark Greengrove, JR (Grandson of the Civil War) His WWI unit picture, Company D, 309th Infantry, 78th Infantry Division. Also a print, as he was WIA and the Army didn't give out Purple Hearts until 1927.

A picture of my Dads ship, the USS Midway, service from 1949-1953.

My Battalion Colors, given to me by the Soldiers, when I Commanded 3rd Battalion, 312th Regiment.

I have a WWII German bayonet that my Great Uncle Charles Wesley Sands brought home to my Dad. No picture.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Feb 9 at 2015 7:46 PM

2015-02-09T19:46:46-05:00

Just an ordinary soldier here, no treasures but rather momentos of a proud service to my country.

Response by MSG William Wold made Feb 9 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-02-09T20:14:24-05:00

Nope not any more. I had a fire in 1999 that I lost virtually everything; then a few years later, there was a divorce; what I had not lost in that fire, was lost or ruined when ex took everything that I had ever had and threw them out the back door, then filed a restraining order on me. It wasn't till the divorce proceedings, when the judge asked if any of the assets had already been split, that the judge chastised the other party then ordered me to be escorted to the property and allowed to get stuff; which of course had been on the ground, chewed upon by rodents. I took pictures back with me and the judge was not happy. But still in the end, ex got 50% of my military and job retirements, and 50% of the house sale; which fortunately paid off all the debts..

Response by SGT Kevin Gardner made Feb 9 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-02-09T20:35:58-05:00

What I have is a challenge coin from 272 NPTT, the reason that coin means so much to me is because of the bothers I served with, at no time in my career did I ever serve with a group of soldiers that was more family then them. There is something to be said about small team units that brings you closer to the people you served with.

The other treasure box, is currently still being held by the person who earned the memories that fill not only the wall but the box that they reside in. My grandfather a Marine combat veteran of the Korean War asked me what I wanted left to me in his will. I told him that he could leave everything to everyone else in the family the t bird the lake house all of it, but I asked him if he would leave me his Marine Corps awards everything he had during his time in service, my grand father asked me why that was all I wanted of him, to me it's a piece of my grandfather no car no house could ever be, to me it's the one thing my grandfather is, a Marine who shared with me a love for service, a man who taught me to be stronger by standing for those who could not or would not. Honestly I don't ever want to take position of those treasures because I know that the day I do, will be the day that I lose the one person in this world that I love more than life itself.

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 9 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-02-09T21:09:08-05:00

I have all my previous unit patches, coins and the Afghan leaflets we used to hand out

Response by SN Craig Ralston made Feb 9 at 2015 9:29 PM

2015-02-09T21:29:08-05:00

I have a WWII enemy aircraft range finder that my dad gave to me and an original picture from the surrender of Japan on the Missouri that my dad took, it shows the actual signing.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Feb 9 at 2015 9:49 PM

2015-02-09T21:49:49-05:00

The last Challenge coin I ever earned for my last deployment. My citations in their padded envelopes. My picture album my wife put together for me.

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Feb 9 at 2015 10:48 PM

2015-02-09T22:48:04-05:00

Yes I also have my dad's purple heart from ww2 so yes I would

Response by Cpl Sean Rising made Feb 9 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-02-09T22:55:50-05:00

My liberation of Kuwait medal.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 10 at 2015 12:14 AM

2015-02-10T00:14:02-05:00

Might sound a little goofy... But, I saved the mini-Tabasco bottles from the MRE's. I'd empty them out while eating, rinse with a little water, and fill 'em up with sand/soil from the places I've been: Iraq, Kuwait, Korea, Thailand, Suribachi, etc. I labelled each one with a little slice of athletic tape (borrowed from our Corpsmen). I'm sure a Customs Agent would have took 'em from me. But, I have a little bit of everywhere I've travelled.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Feb 10 at 2015 6:03 AM

2015-02-10T06:03:38-05:00

A picture of a friend, closer than any blood relatives, who's no longer with us and a lei he gave me.

Response by SPC Joshua Deaton made Feb 10 at 2015 9:23 AM

2015-02-10T09:23:28-05:00

My berets, awards, reenlistment photos and a large braid of suspension line with a static line wrapped through it. Our NCOs made them for us after 2 days of cutting parachutes out of trees in Ft. Stewart, GA. High winds put over 200 jumpers in the trees. That was fun... (sarcasm)

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 10 at 2015 9:34 AM

2015-02-10T09:34:51-05:00

My grandfather, James C. Coe, served in WWI. He was in the North Dakota National Guard and was mobilized along with Guard members from other Central Plains States. My son and I build a shadow box for his items: WWI victory medal with France clasp, corporal rank, 41st Infantry Division patch, and diary. Diary chronicles his time in France, redeployment on troop ship, out-processing at Camp Dix, NJ, and train ride home. Priceless.

Response by SGT Mark Ledoux made Feb 10 at 2015 9:48 AM

2015-02-10T09:48:24-05:00

my most treasured military possession is the Army of Occupation Medal (AOM). I was stationed in Berlin Germany from shortly before the wall came down thru 1992. While all soldiers who served overseas were awared the overseas ribbon, Berlin was the only assignment that was issuing the AOM. The AOM stopped being issued upon reunification in October 1990. So an extremely small amount of troopers were issued this. Proud and honored to have one and to have been a member of the famed Berlin Brigade.

Response by SPC Jerri Haaven made Feb 10 at 2015 10:04 AM

2015-02-10T10:04:54-05:00

Loved reading all of these responses. Among other items, I'm lucky to have one of the US Flags that flew on the USS Constellation during her last deployment, in support of OEF/OIF. My son's job then was a Signalman. I also have .50 cal shell casings that were fired while on a Family Day cruise aboard the ship; and a packet of leaflets that were dropped in Iraq telling the Iraqi's to leave to be safe before "Shock and Awe."

Haven't thought about a lot of this for some time.. Thanks for the prompt.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 10 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-02-10T10:34:51-05:00

The cheap yet very sharp "survival" knife I was presented when I graduated Jumpmaster School.
The Silver dollars I was presented for the 1st Salute from newly commissioned officers who choose me to receive that honor.
A keychain, dog tag, picture, knife, book and a M4 mag.. Individual items that belonged to individuals who I failed to bring home alive.

Response by PO3 Robert Gunderson made Feb 10 at 2015 12:34 PM

2015-02-10T12:34:00-05:00

Yes I have 3 items I would run back into a burning house for. My Valuble documents folder, my wifes ashes and my professional work portfolio. The docks file has all valuble doucuments that I need for my Identity including family past documents for me and my wife. My wife's ashes is self explanatory (I will include my past cats ashes to). My Profetional works portfolio has all the work I have done for the last 20 years, All the projects and customers who were satisfied with my work as a computer tech including voleteer work, educational certs, and various profetional awards. These things I would go back and get anytime disaster or not.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:00 PM

2015-02-10T14:00:20-05:00

My grandfather's rank and issued bible from WWII.

Response by A1C Jacque Chandler II made Feb 10 at 2015 2:14 PM

2015-02-10T14:14:49-05:00

I have a shell casing from a a 30 mm cannon round that came from a C-130(A)U Spooky Gunship. The round was used to bust the barricade which led to the capture of one of Al Queda's most notorious leaders.

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Feb 10 at 2015 2:39 PM

2015-02-10T14:39:50-05:00

I have my dog tags, Good Conduct Medal, discharged papers, and numerous photographs of my brothers and sisters who were stationed with me. My three degrees, BA, MA, and PhD Diplomas. I do treasure those mementos. Blessings.

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Feb 10 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-02-10T16:12:00-05:00

Please excuse the pizza. This is a Replica but my wife thought enough of me and my love for the Corps to get me My NCO Sword

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Feb 10 at 2015 5:29 PM

2015-02-10T17:29:11-05:00

Interesting question. I never look at my medals, awards, or certificates and my retirement shadow box hangs on a wall in a room I almost never go in. However, I often think back when I was a young SSgt and was given the opportunity to fly in an F-16. Awesome!!!

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Feb 11 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-02-11T14:35:44-05:00

My treasures include some of my Dad's WW2 (87th Mt Inf. 10th Mt Div) uniform brass, his pre-WW2 spurs, & his WW2 knife (was once a bayonet). Also, his only NAZI war trophy, a small NAZI pennant for a car.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 11 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-02-11T14:44:36-05:00

I know what's in your treasure box SFC Mark Merino; 1,000,000 Influence Points! What will they be worth in ten years?! Can you redeem them like air miles?! :)

Response by SGT Micheal Adams made Feb 11 at 2015 10:32 PM

2015-02-11T22:32:03-05:00

I have my ribbons and medals my dog tags, a book with pictures and certificates. I have a few things that were my dads, his zippo lighter with the EGA on it his rank his 3 ribbons I don't believe he was as proud to have as I am one of his C caps and lapel EGA & tie bar and his equivalent to a DD-214. His casket flag, my step grand dads flag. I have one of every uniform I wore except my tanker suit. I used to have my real grand fathers journal that he wrote in during WWII. I believe my sister has that now. Oh my prize possession is my dads Marine Corp ring and his Masonic ring I am neither a former marine or Mason. I thought my son may carry my dads tradition but he did not. My daughter is thinking about Army, AF ROTC right now and I'm super proud.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Feb 12 at 2015 1:51 AM

2015-02-12T01:51:01-05:00

My Dad's Shadow Box. 28 years US Army. WW2 (China, Burma, India), Korea, VN. I put the box together for him and gave it to him for Christmas 1986.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 15 at 2015 1:02 PM

2015-02-15T13:02:16-05:00

From my "memories" trunk . . .

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-02-15T13:15:57-05:00

SFC Mark Merino The pension, medical benefit, and VA benefits when I retire. Why is it significant? Because my family's life and my life depend on it.

Response by Col William Preston Mclaughlin made Feb 15 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-02-15T17:44:31-05:00

My military treasure box is filled with Family mementoes. I have my Grandfather's World War One US Army medical corps Sergeant stripes from his Doughboy uniform. In the same shadow box is his brass Platoon Sergeant's Whistle, and a picture of him in uniform, with a note to my GrandMother, asking "Does this look like me?" I guess the haircut was shorter than his normal one!
I also have my Dad's shadow box, he was a Veteran of WWII and Korea and retired from the USAR in 1982. It has his PFC stripes from joining the Army Scholastic Training Program in WWII while in Medical School, it also has his Bronze Star from Korea when he commanded a Medical Clearing company. My son is a MA2 in the USNR and has a picture of his GrandFather in WWII Service Uniform with PFC Stripes hanging in his apartment.
You will find a lot of service families today who are two-three generations or more serving....
They inspire us by their example of service and leadership.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-02-16T15:27:43-05:00

This isn't in the house, but is something I carry with me in my wallet.

It was given to me on Veterans Day, as I was traveling TDY to Ft Knox in 2010. I think I was in Chicago, and the father walked up to me and handed me this card, thanked me for my service, and disappeared before I could say anything.

I carry it with me every day so that on the days I feel like the stupidity is overwhelming or I just feel like I have no fight left in me.....I will remember that warriors never quit. My Soldiers deserve the best, and I can't give that if I'm wallowing in self-pity.

Additionally, I have a New Testament bible that my old roommate gave me as a commissioning gift. He carried it in Vietnam, and I have a nearly identical one that was given to me on my first mobilization....both of which I have locked safe.
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Feb 16 at 2015 8:20 PM

2015-02-16T20:20:02-05:00

My class "A" fully dressed from the last day I wore them. My last set of starched "BDU's". Additionally my canteen, "LBE" And lastly my Platoon Sergeant highly shined Helmet Liner with Signal Insignias and my shined pistol belt. All stored in my footlocker.

Response by PV2 Violet Case made Feb 21 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-02-21T15:21:48-05:00

I was handed down a grandpas bible that was said to be given in the 1918 war to the soldiers a bible with a brass cover and that the soldiers were told to carry it in their pocket to help protect their hearts. IF anyone nos any more information about this bible I would love to hear about it. I also have my year book from Fort McClellan , my platoon picture one of them of me in year book was tearing down the M16 in 1978. my badges from 1978 and dog tags. Also was wondering if they still call the year books for womens training wac or was this the last year of the palas of Athena and word WACS because it was 1978 when they made the changes.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 12:16 AM

2015-02-23T00:16:12-05:00

Medals, war trophies, foreign military patches, gear, spare gear, HOOAH gear I'll never use and should have never purchased. Old uniforms that are still starched and pressed. A spare 9mm round, just in case. Knives..an axe and some certificates...

Response by SSG Robert Rusinko made Mar 2 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-03-02T08:21:16-05:00

I have a foot locker with all my med records and my I love me book in. I would grab that and a shadow box I got from my time with SF. Anything else I could replace.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 11:48 AM

2015-03-18T11:48:19-04:00

My Charge Book and Vessel mean the world to me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-03-18T11:59:40-04:00

I have an ammo can with a few of my BCT/OSUT graduation pics. I have all of my dress uniform medals, as well as other awards, promotions, coins and certificates. I also have my blue cord, and literally a ton of FM's, TM's, and other military related books.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Mar 18 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-03-18T12:09:49-04:00

I have a lot of Desert Storm Bring Back Items. Iraqi Dinar with Saddam's Pic on it. KA-Bar, fired 7.62 rounds from AK's. Hodji Hot Sauce, Beddies, Sun Screen, No-Melt Candy bar, and Miscellaneous pieces and parts of TA-50. It was nice to have something in a display box from my Deployment.

Response by MSG William Wold made Mar 18 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-03-18T13:24:06-04:00

I used to have my grandfathers Cav "bible" not really a bible it was rules to be in the Cav. Gotta remember my dad was in WWII, so it was pretty old. I "did" have my dad's purple heart in a frame.
Every childhood and military "treasure" is right up here (pointing to head). In 1999 there was a fire that destroyed virtually every single item I, wife and children had. 4 years later, divorce took what was left. 2007 my father passed away, living in a home he built on a small lake, with material he purchased from a WWII surplus building off of Ft Lewis for a dollar, used that material to build the house.
My brother, and my sister and I grew up in the house. Before the divorce my dad had me as the executor of the estate. There was a trust and the lake front property was to remain in the family, with equal shares to everyone children and grandchildren alive to share. What average working person can afford waterfront property anymore?. Here it is, enjoy.
During my divorce, my dad took me out of the will solely because if you know the WA State court system; anyway he didn't want my ex getting my future asset. Guess he forgot to put me back in later.
Ended up, sisters daughter who wasn't even 20, got my dads home in a will, my sister was living in the home with her husband daughter and son, taking care of dad for his last 11+ years. There was a convenient clause that she could live there as long as she wanted. No mention of anyone else, the trust had been dissolved. Two years later her daughter was killed in a hiking accident. They had yet to probate dad's estate and here the person that was awarded everything in his will that was probably manipulated, is dead.
My sister couldn't live there anymore for the memories. But the place had already been condemned by the county for the trash, debris, and junk cars that was created by my sister and her husband, not dad; and unlivable home. Roof leaked, they kept replacing the blue tarps.. One bedrooms roof caved in, all they did was board up the doorway.
She found a cash buyer, who said, take what you want I'll clean it up. So They did, the guy brought in three excavators, load after load was hauled off for over a week.
Sister and her husband bought a home, and go to Wendover, NV monthly where the Peppermill Casino is. Dad used to frequent there, as my cousin (mothers sisters kid) works in management.
Recently I retrieved a 2nd place swimming trophy my sister found at my dads as they were moving out. From the Ft Eustis, VA swim team I was on in 1971 for a while. It was my second place 100 meters freestyle; 61.96 seconds. I had a first at 59.54, somewhere. Out of 6 actual 1st place wins, and 3 second places, I let dad have a couple, a first and this second place. Since they were actually made out of real material I wonder if I was sold or simply thrown away. So I guess I have to retract the first statement.
I'm Now out in real life making more memories.

Response by CPO Michael Callegri made Mar 26 at 2015 7:28 PM

2015-03-26T19:28:16-04:00

Unfortunately that did happen to me. My wife and I lost everything we had in a fire about fives years ago. The fire was too bad to try to rescue anything, but if I had the chance I would have. I had all my uniforms; pictures; and other things. I now only have the few photos that I have at work. I miss those things, but I'm also reminded that it's just stuff. My wife & I got out safe and that was more important.

Response by CPO Michael Callegri made Mar 26 at 2015 7:28 PM

2015-03-26T19:28:21-04:00