ProudGSMom
01-02-2014, 13:16
In the past 3+ years, I've received quite a few Challenge Coins. I understand the sentiment intended when they are presented to me, but I'm curious, how important-or not-are they when presented to you?
Part of the reason I'm asking is how it would be received if you were presented with a Gold Star Mothers challenge coin? We have them, and to us, they are quite significant. I've heard of some GSM handing them out like party favors, but personally, I have given two.
The first was to a mom who is not recognized as 'really' a Gold Star by the DoD because her son's death was not directly due to injuries sustained. But, that is a topic for another post another time.
The second I gave to a SFC who was the NCO IC of Rear D who took it upon himself personally to guarantee my family and I were well cared for while at the various memorials and other visits to the base. He was not our CAO or CNO and his efforts went way above and beyond. We were honored to be at the PUC ceremony and as his retirement ceremony was just days away, I chose that time to let him know how appreciated he was by giving him one of these challenge coins.
He was very moved, but then again, he is also a consummate professional and gentleman, so I don't know if he was merely touched by the gesture or if this coin will be considered the trump, so to speak. We've often joked about how I explained jokingly to Gen. Odierno's lackey (he was a pissant consumed with the importance of his position and irritated me) in front of the Gen., how the little Gold Star with a purple background worn over my mother's heart outranked the little clusters on the general's shoulder. Odierno busted up laughing and 'saluted' me. I told him 'at ease, soldier' and he laughed harder. For the record, I was joking.
The other part of the reason I'm asking is there is another individual who in my opinion has gone above and beyond in their service to and recognition of GS moms. I take the presenting of these coins very seriously and do not hand them out lightly. So, I am curious how they are actually received and perceived, divorced from my intent?
Thanks
Part of the reason I'm asking is how it would be received if you were presented with a Gold Star Mothers challenge coin? We have them, and to us, they are quite significant. I've heard of some GSM handing them out like party favors, but personally, I have given two.
The first was to a mom who is not recognized as 'really' a Gold Star by the DoD because her son's death was not directly due to injuries sustained. But, that is a topic for another post another time.
The second I gave to a SFC who was the NCO IC of Rear D who took it upon himself personally to guarantee my family and I were well cared for while at the various memorials and other visits to the base. He was not our CAO or CNO and his efforts went way above and beyond. We were honored to be at the PUC ceremony and as his retirement ceremony was just days away, I chose that time to let him know how appreciated he was by giving him one of these challenge coins.
He was very moved, but then again, he is also a consummate professional and gentleman, so I don't know if he was merely touched by the gesture or if this coin will be considered the trump, so to speak. We've often joked about how I explained jokingly to Gen. Odierno's lackey (he was a pissant consumed with the importance of his position and irritated me) in front of the Gen., how the little Gold Star with a purple background worn over my mother's heart outranked the little clusters on the general's shoulder. Odierno busted up laughing and 'saluted' me. I told him 'at ease, soldier' and he laughed harder. For the record, I was joking.
The other part of the reason I'm asking is there is another individual who in my opinion has gone above and beyond in their service to and recognition of GS moms. I take the presenting of these coins very seriously and do not hand them out lightly. So, I am curious how they are actually received and perceived, divorced from my intent?
Thanks