|
Many service members returning from overseas deployment in a combat zone receive challenge coins; these coins commemorate their service to this country, whether it's from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard. Challenge coins are typically 1.5" in diameter and struck with the insignia of the service, and some motto or slogan for their time in service and the specific unit they served in.
The custom of challenge coins originated at the end of the First World War, most people who get challenge coins are handed them in a handshake, very discretely, usually when they're mustered out to head home. While these coins serve as poignant mementos of serving overseas, in stressful conditions, and often under live enemy fire, they are also shrouded in custom.
Service members from the same unit may issue a challenge in a bar; the person who cannot produce a challenge coin has to pay for the next round of drinks. For service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, a challenge coin is usually presented to their nearest living relative, along with other reminders of their service.
Sometimes, challenge coins are issued to units after they've been 'in the sandbox' for a while; these coins are used to help bond unit members together - holding a lucky talisman for all members of the unit. Or they're used as a way to show that your unit is better than another unit that doesn't have them. Either way, there are strong traditions surrounding challenge coins, and the people who receive them cherish them, and will show them to their children and grandchildren.
Most challenge coins are struck from brass or bronze, a few are struck from nickel. Many have enameled frontspieces colored in the hues of the service and unit being commemorated. Typically, coins are struck in lots of a couple of thousand, and are paid for by donations to the unit, which then buys a new batch for members before they rotate home. Depending on the unit served with, it may have the unit insignia, a silhouette of a ship (for a Naval service challenge coin) or a picture of the type of aircraft flown or vehicle commanded.
Challenge coins are a simple and subtle way to showcase the duty and honor of America's service men and women. There are places where you can make contributions to help fund challenge coins given to service members, and there are places where replacement challenge coins can be purchased.
********************************
Frank Cassidy is the owner of UnitCoins.us your online resource for creating and customizing your own Challenge Coins.
|
tweet this!