How do undo an optional item

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Trying to export a model to a different program, every single time it exports, the hands are missing because they're an optional item. How do I un-make the hands an optional item and attach them permanently to the mesh (instead of just being on by default)? I tried to "save generic item" but it doesn't work.
Thanks!

1. Open the "Modify->Material Editor"
2. Mark the "hands" mesh
3. To un-mark the hands an optional item, select as optional item name "none" fo "not" a optional item

image shows the "ribbon" mesh; not the "hands" mesh