01-02-2014, 13:16
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#1
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Asset
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 58
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Challenge Coin question
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
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ProudGSMom is offline
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01-02-2014, 13:21
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#2
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Ft. Bragg
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For my part, I would be very moved. I suspect the individual you gave yours to was equally moved...and humbled.
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1stindoor is offline
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01-02-2014, 14:01
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#3
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Asset
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 58
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1stindoor and DocIllinois
Thanks for taking the time to respond. Can either of you - or anyone else - tell me how the overall tradition is viewed currently? Have either of you ever participated in the coin challenge? Is that even done anymore?
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I hate babysitting news crews. They hate me too, ever since some 'tard asked me if I like it here. I told him I loved it and I'm looking for a vacation home.
~
We are not at war with Islam, but they sure as shit are at war with us.
~
"Islam" means "Submission" we are Americans, we do not submit.
~
PS, Sgt. x, you met him before we deployed. He is asking for Double Stuffed Oreos.
~
~~~excerpts from letters home, PFC Andrew Meari, KIA 11/1/10
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ProudGSMom is offline
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01-02-2014, 14:07
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#4
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Occupied Pineland
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DocIllinois
The challenge coin tradition dates all the way back to WWI. Pretty significant stuff.
I agree with 1st - the individuals you present them to probably suspect that yours aren't given out in an arbitrary manner.
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Concur. Especially if you've personalized the coin with your Soldier's information. I've received a few challenge coins over the years and those that mean the most meant something to the person who presented them to me. Your sincerity and the significance of the presentation are readily apparent to the recipients and they'll assign the same value to the act that you do. FWIW.
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Peregrino is offline
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01-02-2014, 18:01
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#5
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When it was just SF and Airborne units, the unit coins meant something.
When every leg GO/FO and his CSM got a sack of them to hand out, the meaning was (to me) reduced. The aides carried around a ruck half filled with them.
I am sure that one with a name and a story behind it that is not handed out by the dozen has a special meaning.
Good on you.
TR
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The Reaper is offline
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01-02-2014, 23:12
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#6
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When we got them in the 10th in Devens in 69, we had to buy them. Only significance was you'd be in deep shit financially at the bar if you didn't have yours with you. 
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Utah Bob is offline
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01-03-2014, 09:27
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#7
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: ISO
Posts: 297
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ProudGSMom
Thanks for taking the time to respond. Can either of you - or anyone else - tell me how the overall tradition is viewed currently? Have either of you ever participated in the coin challenge? Is that even done anymore?
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Ma'am,
It depends on the coin. In your case any one of us would be deeply deeply affected. That coin would mean a lot to whom ever you gave it to.
To answer your above question, yes coin challenges do still go on, Usually in smaller units, or at the bar during special occasions.
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MK262MOD1 is offline
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01-03-2014, 11:39
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#8
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 20,929
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I have coins from many different sources, a few generals etc. But I have one you don't see very often. As has been said it depends on who it is from......
I got this one from some SF guy......
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Team Sergeant is offline
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01-03-2014, 12:07
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#9
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Area Commander
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Cochise Co., AZ
Posts: 6,200
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Team Sergeant
I got this one from some SF guy......
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Now that is a treasure!
Any update on the SGM?
Pat
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PSM is offline
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01-03-2014, 12:56
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#10
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Consigliere
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Free Pineland (at last)
Posts: 8,829
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Team Sergeant
I have coins from many different sources, a few generals etc. But I have one you don't see very often. As has been said it depends on who it is from......
I got this one from some SF guy......
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Ooh, ooh, can I play?
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Roguish Lawyer is offline
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01-03-2014, 14:17
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#11
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Asset
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 58
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 took me a while to figure out how to upload a photo on my iPad
__________________
I hate babysitting news crews. They hate me too, ever since some 'tard asked me if I like it here. I told him I loved it and I'm looking for a vacation home.
~
We are not at war with Islam, but they sure as shit are at war with us.
~
"Islam" means "Submission" we are Americans, we do not submit.
~
PS, Sgt. x, you met him before we deployed. He is asking for Double Stuffed Oreos.
~
~~~excerpts from letters home, PFC Andrew Meari, KIA 11/1/10
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ProudGSMom is offline
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