Preserving memories

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Earlier this month, the Airman and Family Readiness Center offered a Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate class where people were given tools and information about the inheritance and transfer of non-titled personal property to ensure they have a plan in place prior to any unfortunate events.

Personal belongings with special meanings are often passed down through generations and deciding who gets that treasured wedding photo, Grandpa's old fishing tackle box or a well-used yellow pie-plate is not always easy and can even lead to family conflicts.

"This class is designed to help people understand and solve conflicts that could arise when dealing with the dispersal of personal items," said Kimberly Geffre, Airman and Family Readiness Center casualty assistance representative. "Emotions are high during a loved one's passing so [having] a plan already set will ease the process."

Geffre added that because certain items can hold fond memories for people, families often find inheritance decisions about non-titled personal property more challenging than titled property.

"When families fail to make informed decisions about transferring personal possessions, misunderstandings and conflicts can occur leading to damaged family relationships and costly court battles," said Jennifer Kaminsky, AFRC representative. "The goal of the program is to alleviate those possible situations."

Non-titled personal property is not an easy subject to discuss with loved ones, especially during a time of mourning, she said, but with proper planning, a time of preserving memories becomes a little easier for everyone.

During the class, attendees were guided through the six factors of the successful transfer of personal property:

● Bring up inheritance issues for discussion
● Decide what fair means
● Ask others what objects they would like and why
● Identify transfer goals
● Select distribution and transfer methods that fit goals
● Consider how to deal with conflicts before they arise


George Wallace, retired Air Force member and class attendee, explained to the group how it was not until the passing of his wife that he realized how important her personal items were to him and how he treasures her pieces of artwork she created when she was alive.

"I'm so fortunate to have her art with me," said Wallace. "I miss her dearly and when I see her art it brings me comfort."

Wallace added that the class is helping him plan how to disperse his valuable items along with his wife's artwork. He feels it is his responsibility to make sure his wife's artwork is properly cared for and remains in his family's possession as long as possible.

"It's not about money or having material items," said Geffre. "It is about the memories attached to these items that people want to cherish and pass down within their families for generations."

For more information about the Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate class, contact the AFRC at (605) 385-4663.