Challenge coins. Do you use them, collect them, or both?

SGT Aaron Atwood — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 12:37:34 -0400

I know they mean something to the older and saltier vets on here so this is geared more towards the younger folks like me. Personally I collect the ones I receive; on great occasion I buy one. I've sold most of the ones I've bought on impulse (yeah I was that boot) except for a few that I haven't been able to. I have yet, however, to run into a situation where I needed to use one (bar scenario).

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 12:56 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 12:56:45 -0400

I think the whole challenge part of coins has died. My son has collected quite a few. I also have quite a few and have bought some as well. I think they tell a story of your military career.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 1:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 13:24:39 -0400

I keep all of mine. I have over 40 of them and can remember when and why I received each one. Using them is slowly fading away. I've explained on more than one occasion on what "coining" means. We had a unit Dining Out in Dec, and one of the questions I asked the CDR was what are the rules of coining for the event. We established a solid set of quasi "rule" (I think they were to protect the innocent. We have 3 brand new 2LT's). Good times were had by all.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 27 at 2016 6:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:44:49 -0400

I gave 30 coins away. That is how pissed I was with the Ft Riley and Ft Campbell WTUs. Several folks working in them should be terminated from their employment. Some act like god's gift to the WTU and are stupid and rude. I had a civilian tell me that I had to get permission to eat lunch from the squad leader. I was quite amazed by the ignorance and the stupidity. I still shake my head on how they treated soldiers. The WTUs remind me of the Stanford Study of how people with power can act like assholes.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 27 at 2016 10:48 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 22:48:05 -0400

Nope. Collect dust in a box or drawer somewhere.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 28 at 2016 5:46 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 05:46:40 -0400

They were only starting to come into Vogue in the Navy at the end of my Career but they are pretty cool and I've bought a couple and received one from a National Guard Co-Worker.

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 28 at 2016 8:12 AM

SGT David T. — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 08:12:51 -0400

They sit in a holder on my desk. If I didn't work for the Army, they would be a box with the rest of my military stuff collecting dust.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Mar 28 at 2016 10:26 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 10:26:33 -0400

I use them (even in my civilian career since more than 90% of our employees are former military).

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 28 at 2016 11:26 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 11:26:48 -0400

Both. But only insofar as I don't throw away coins I'm awarded ;o)

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 5:41 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 17:41:27 -0400

Both. It is tradition to have one during formal unit events. I do agree that it should be mentioned to the unit for rules that all agree upon. Collecting them is useful because it tells a more personal story of where someone has been versus the awards that are almost handed out for deploying anywhere.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 10:02 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 22:02:00 -0500

I have a few, a couple given, some gifted from Battles, and a few bought. The one's I bought are from the Forts/Bases I've been to. With the exception of the blood donation coin, I donated $10 for that after donating blood.

Response by CPT Manuel Ruelas made Feb 6 at 2017 11:23 AM

CPT Manuel Ruelas — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 11:23:47 -0500

Collect Them

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 6 at 2017 11:49 AM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 11:49:16 -0500

I think nothing beats the traditional firm handshake for a job well done. Coins are nice but not necessary. I received a Gerber Multi-tool indirectly from my son's ground crew Master Chief and I will hold that multi-tool as more important than any coin I received during my career because it came from my son's crew chief for raising such a fine young officer.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 6 at 2017 12:08 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 12:08:18 -0500

I received a beer bottle cap that this young soldier had flattened out between two rags so the cap wouldn't be destroyed. I had taken the time to help him through the death of a family member and he knew at the time that unit members were trading coins in the unit as a way of saying thanks and he had no coins to trade me so he came up with this novel idea of the beer cap. I remember the story in the bible Mark 12:41-44
The Widow’s Offering
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
This young man had no coin to give me so he made his own. When he gave it to me he looked me in the eye and pressed the cap into my hand. I thanked him and reciprocated with our "Red Bull" coin which he quickly pocketed to look at later. We both received a treasure that day.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Feb 7 at 2017 9:30 AM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 09:30:13 -0500

I first enlisted in 2006. Here's the Corps as I first knew it:
There was no CFT. The PFT was done twice a year.
You were waived from height and weight standards if you got a first class on the PFT.
Rifle qualification consisted only of Table 1 for score. The other tables were to expend ammo.
You ironed in the creases to your khaki shirts both long sleeve and short sleeve.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill didn't exist just yet.
There was good expectation that you would deploy to either Iraq or Afghanistan at least once.
ISCs had more involvement with computer-related issues and emails than today.
Blackberries were the only smart phones, and you held high freaking status if you were issued one.
Annual training was done via DEATH BY POWERPOINT.
Most of the older command who were in during Operations Desert Shield and Storm had yet to retire.
My first issued weapon was an M16A2. No ACOGs; just iron sights.
Don't Ask Don't Tell was still a thing, but the Corps was a lot gayer then (just my personal opinion).
Loan sharks, for used car dealerships especially, were a much bigger problem than they are now.
Boot camp reference: 3rd Recruit Battalion was based literally in the woods away from the main parts of Parris Island. We even had our own parade deck.
You done f**ked up if your team/squad leader addressed you by rank, first, and last name and took you to an isolated spot for a private chat.
My MOS school had the students from Army, Navy, and Marines train and learn together except for PT and field drill.
You were issued Birth Control Glasses.
It was financially outstanding to reenlist as a musician (5-digit bonuses).

Response by Jason Orton made Jun 1 at 2017 11:44 AM

Jason Orton — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 11:44:15 -0400

I carry two in my pocket everywhere I go. One was given to me by a former state CSM who was my mentor when I made E6. He had my promotion date engraved on it. The other was given to me by the then current state CSM for what I did for the unit as the unit's NCOIC as an E5. Both have a lot of significance for me which is why I keep them with me and would never dream of throwing them out. I have a couple I've purchased that have the post names that I've served at. I also have one unit coin that I served in which was a limited production run so there are not a lot of them out there. I don't purchase other coins no matter how cool they look because they don't have any sentimental value or memory attached to them. My son got an NCIS coin from an agent one time and still has that one. It is a pretty neat coin. The agent gave it to him after my son spent some time asking him about his career and what being an agent was like. I'll never have the large collections that many have but the few I have are important to me. When I am an old man and take my last breath, the hospital or my family will find those two coins in my pocket.

Response by CSM Ed Hepler made Jun 1 at 2017 12:18 PM

CSM Ed Hepler — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 12:18:07 -0400

When I first made CSM, I had some coins made to give to my high performing Soldiers...we were going thru deployment training...then, out Battalon had coins made, and as I traveled around visiting our troops, I'd give out a couple to outstanding Soldiers...as I moved up...Battalion, Avn Trp Cmd, Trp Cmd, and installation, I felt honored to recognize our hard charging, high performing Soldiers.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 2:18 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:18:30 -0400

I ran into one Ammo troop at Bush Intercontinental airport who coined checked me, the one time i didn't have my ammo coin, and it seemed like vets and active duty came out of the woodwork at that airport bar. I had a $300 tab by the time I had to catch my next flight lol

Response by SPC Kyle Williams made Jun 1 at 2017 2:23 PM

SPC Kyle Williams — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:23:47 -0400

Coins nowadays really don't mean much. They are given out so frequently and for the dumbest shit

Response by SGT Stuart Griffin made Jun 1 at 2017 2:35 PM

SGT Stuart Griffin — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:35:28 -0400

I have a collection of them. They range from the III Armored Corps Commanding General to the SGM of the Army (Long story for both, so not here). All of them were directly awarded to me with the "secret handshake," from the person whose coin it was. All of these I consider award coins.
Despite how high ranking some of them were, the one I am most proud of, and still carry, is my 2nd ID coin. It was awarded for being in the combat division. It served the purpose the original coins were for. I see it as an actual challenge coin. In my eyes, the others are not.

Response by TSgt Julie Miller made Jun 1 at 2017 2:50 PM

TSgt Julie Miller — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:50:41 -0400

I have a few, but never used them to get a drink at the bar. I always felt that in it's history it had it's time. For me, it was a coin, and only at my last base did my fellow unit members go almost overboard with it. Somehow, it lost it's spirit at that point... It became more of a game and a way to ostracize someone who either never got one, or maybe left it at home. I still have mine and will treasure it always.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 3:11 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 15:11:08 -0400

I mostly collect them. Some I have been given others I have purchased from bases or deployments that I have been on. I carry one every day I work at my civilian job as a Paramedic. It commemorates one of the worst days or calls I have had in my medical career. It is an EOW for Officer Scott Patrick who was murdered on traffic stop. I was in charge of the crew that responded to and tried to save him. It reminds me how bad a day can be. I have since become a Swat medic since. I also carry a coin whenever some of my firefighters deploy without me.

Response by SPC Louis Copechal made Jun 1 at 2017 4:27 PM

SPC Louis Copechal — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 16:27:05 -0400

I'm pissed. The ones that I had been given by General Petraeus where stolen. Because of my injuries I have LOST memory about the names but clearly remember their appearance. I was with the 526 FSB which later became BSB in Ft Campbell, 2003 TO 2005 and while in Iraq we where given the coins. 1 was in the shape of a dog tag that had a Blackhawk on it, 1 was round that had the Iraq country on it, and the others I have LOST the memory of. It's upsetting knowing they question and not by a fellow soldier but my x-wifes now husband! Yeah very pissed off about it, so much to the point I informed them that if I ever see them I am gonna stomp a mud hole in their ass, so they moved to another state.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 5:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:35:34 -0400

Well, a coin and a dollar should get you a cup of coffee, maybe

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 5:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:48:17 -0400

I just have a few that were given to me through out the years of being in. They are a cool way to bring up stories of how I revived them but never been in a bar with other vets that used them

Response by SCPO Michael Twohie made Jun 1 at 2017 6:27 PM

SCPO Michael Twohie — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 18:27:58 -0400

In the old days it was rare to have them and it was usually the spec/ops/warfare guys that had them, I've met that challenge a few times.

Response by TSgt Russ Grimes made Jun 1 at 2017 6:29 PM

TSgt Russ Grimes — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 18:29:41 -0400

I collected the ones I awarded! I'd never sell nor trade one for $1M

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Jun 1 at 2017 6:45 PM

LCpl Jeff Moore — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 18:45:49 -0400

I have a few i had out as rewards and such, most of the customs officer i work with a really big into collecting them. So they get me stuff and they get one.

I collected a few and would of love to have one when i was with 1/5 and mscfo rota.

Response by Maj Walt Stachowicz made Jun 1 at 2017 6:47 PM

Maj Walt Stachowicz — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 18:47:18 -0400

Nope, never had them when I was in. A "Thanks for a good job" or a letter of appreciation was all we needed. Hell, we didn't have enough funds to pay for shit paper! No diesel for the trucks! And we gave a shit about some "coin" that is the military's answer to Hallmark? What a waste of money.

Response by SGT Tony Shope made Jun 1 at 2017 7:13 PM

SGT Tony Shope — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 19:13:10 -0400

Well I do not know what use them means to be honest. I am a soldier of the 80's and 90's. The 6 I received in 12 years were from personal security details or major accidents. 1 from General Burba when his child/relative was in a bad accident so he was likely biased but I pulled her out and gave CPR so he and his wife hugged me full of blood in the ER. 2 from Regimental SGM of the MP Corp in combat (David Stalter) Who I worked for in his earlier years. 1 from a Presidential escort in Central America and I have forgotten the other. In my day a coin was better than an Arcom and I asked each to write me a letter of recommendation. They did so when I was medically put out at 12 it lead to a great career in law enforcement.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 7:36 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 19:36:51 -0400

I'm giving you a thumbs up for the BIRF SOC photo.

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Jun 1 at 2017 8:16 PM

SFC Charles Kauffman — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 20:16:56 -0400

There was a day when only paratroopers had coins, usually after an initiation into a unit by a festivity known as a "Prop blast".

Thereafter, anyone caught without his coin, bought the challenger a drink.

Now look at it. Another tradition spoiled by legs who wannabe Airborne.

Response by PO2 Craig Wessels made Jun 1 at 2017 8:31 PM

PO2 Craig Wessels — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 20:31:17 -0400

Challenge coins were not a thing when I was in the Navy (82-86). My son just finished his 2nd year of NROTC, and as I dropped him off at the airport to head to summer training, he gave me a 75th anniversary coin for his school's NROTC unit. Is that a "challenge coin?" It is about the size of a silver dollar, and very heavy.

Response by SFC Jeff Holcombe made Jun 1 at 2017 8:42 PM

SFC Jeff Holcombe — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 20:42:40 -0400

I have a small collection. Some of mine were lost in a divorce situation while I was overseas. I received my last 1 in 2010 from General Petraeus while deployed.

Response by MSgt Frank Martin made Jun 1 at 2017 9:48 PM

MSgt Frank Martin — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 21:48:50 -0400

I have my original Combat Camera (both AVIS and ACCS versions) coins.. they were drinking coins. You had to buy one, and you had to honor all others in the placing them on the table and see who buys drinks or if you might get a free one by doing it.

But they became Atta boy coins.. I as a Graphics Specialist have done artwork for commanders to get coins made, I have won a few from commanders. I have one from the 8th Air Force Commander that I "won" because I found a few things in a video tape made by their intel section missed while my unit edited it for presentation. It is my most prized one..

I have a couple from foreign officers too..But they all sit in container.. now that I am retired.. they are just keepsakes for me.

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 10:02 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 22:02:21 -0400

I have taken duplicate unit coins I have received and passed them to deserving soldiers, telling them what I had done to deserve it.

Response by LT Jerry Short made Jun 1 at 2017 10:27 PM

LT Jerry Short — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 22:27:17 -0400

I received a gold coin from a commander of a unit because I pulled a Sailor out of a deadly situation. When the CO handed it to me, I felt as if it was the best thing I experienced in my career. I still have my coins and pull them out to look at them on occasion.

Response by TSgt Prescott Pranke made Jun 1 at 2017 10:31 PM

TSgt Prescott Pranke — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 22:31:39 -0400

I have received 2 actual Challenge coins in my 22 yr career - one at Maj Gen 2 bn 218 FA (ANG) and 1 USAF AD from CG Centcom. never been challenged never offered challenge ;) others are not so much Challenge coins as just for collecting (Anheueser Busch presented my unit with one, a couple others presentations, but not official Challenge coins)

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Jun 1 at 2017 11:01 PM

SGT Cynthia Barnard — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 23:01:30 -0400

I collect them they are precious memories of my career and I have only been challenged once and my coin was a 2 star his was a 1 star

Response by PO2 Bruce Mckay made Jun 1 at 2017 11:47 PM

PO2 Bruce Mckay — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 23:47:55 -0400

I guess I am to old school

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 12:21 AM

MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 00:21:09 -0400

I keep and collect the ones I have. I've bought ones that are either really cool or mean something significant to me. The older I get I'd actually like to display them, but for now they realistically collect dust in some forgotten corner.

Response by PO2 John Winters made Jun 2 at 2017 12:42 AM

PO2 John Winters — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 00:42:11 -0400

I was in service from '81 to '92, never heard of them that whole time.

Response by SSG Mark Madsen made Jun 2 at 2017 2:19 AM

SSG Mark Madsen — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 02:19:37 -0400

I will never part with the one our command had made in Baghdad in 2003 out of a statue of Saddam. I gave my Father-in-Law the one I received for a top test score while at an AIT to reclass from Field Artillery to Transportation Corps after my hearing loss from that same deployment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 8:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 08:11:47 -0400

I give them to my Soldiers. They do all the work, anyway. Never cared much for accolades.

Response by SGT Andrew Van Donselaar made Jun 2 at 2017 8:29 AM

SGT Andrew Van Donselaar — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 08:29:27 -0400

I spent 17 1/2 years in total service. Didn't get my first change coin until I had 15 years in. I didn't even know what a change coin was for or why my BC was giving it to me. The one that means the most to me looks like a poker chip and was from my BC and 1SG. It wouldn't win anything at the bar.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 9:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 09:11:41 -0400

I have never bought a coin in my 19+ years. Every coin I have was awarded. I have traded one or two when I had multiple of the same coin. I think they are a cool keep sake to pass down to your kids so they have something later on to be proud of their parents military career. They also make good conversation pieces when on display.

Response by SGT James Frazier made Jun 2 at 2017 1:23 PM

SGT James Frazier — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 13:23:57 -0400

When I was in right after Desert Shield/Storm and the draw down continued I recieved a coin from another unit by the work I did on their equipment as a thanks for the extra work I did to get them up in status ( I was a 52D then in a DS unit and the FA unit organization maintenance was shit) Meant more to me than any other coin I ever received or had to buy from the units I was in.

Response by PFC LeeRoy Carpenter made Jun 2 at 2017 1:26 PM

PFC LeeRoy Carpenter — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 13:26:40 -0400

Never received one and didn't know about them till after I ETSed

Response by SFC Rick Forlines made Jun 2 at 2017 1:36 PM

SFC Rick Forlines — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 13:36:48 -0400

I have a dozen or so mixed into the cake tin where I keep such stuff

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 2:45 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:45:36 -0400

I have over 60 coins, they are all in a box, in the garage. I don't like people coming into my office and wanting to talk about coins.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 2:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:52:17 -0400

I've bought some that have been made for particular missions. I've never sold or traded coins how ever I have have traded patches for a coin once or twice not knowing I was getting a coin. I've kept them all but at the same time never needed to use one

Response by CPT Randy Venswencey made Jun 2 at 2017 3:26 PM

CPT Randy Venswencey — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 15:26:05 -0400

I only have the ones that were given to me throughout my career for a job well done that didn't warrant an award (that wouldn't be approved anyway), no one had time for a letter of appreciation. They were given for a job well done, above that of doing your job. They, in my time, were rarely handed out. The few coins I have are my most valuable and memorable things I've held on too since my career ended.

Response by 1LT Christopher Gonzales made Jun 2 at 2017 4:13 PM

1LT Christopher Gonzales — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 16:13:18 -0400

Only coins that ever mattered to me were ones with an EOD crab on them and that was mostly so I didn't get coin dropped

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 5:08 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 17:08:25 -0400

I took pictures of mine (30 ish), then gave the coins to my grand kids.

Response by PFC Cory Sawyer made Jun 2 at 2017 6:47 PM

PFC Cory Sawyer — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 18:47:00 -0400

Received my first in 2004 from Deputy Sec of Def Paul Wolfowitz and still have it to this day. These coins are recognition when an award/medal is not necessary. If you think they are pointless because they don't help career advancement then you clearly don't understand their purpose.

Response by SFC Stephen Williams made Jun 2 at 2017 6:54 PM

SFC Stephen Williams — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 18:54:35 -0400

When I was in Berlin from 84-87 we were given them for Expert Marksmanship, Military Excellence, (SQT of 95 or above), or 290 or above PT score....and that was it. I got a few and will always save them.....never got the the one for PT...lol

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 8:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 20:53:03 -0400

I have a few coins, but as I move up the ranks, it means more and is more deserved to my junior Soldiers. If you are over the rank of SFC and getting a coin in front of a formation for something tour troops did, you should be a little ashamed. A side bar that a boy is fine, but let tour troops shine in front of their peers.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jun 2 at 2017 10:07 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 22:07:58 -0400

No. But my friend told me a story when his friend through his down. Everyone scampered to get theres. But his was just a coin.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Jun 2 at 2017 11:30 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 23:30:29 -0400

I loved them as markers of time. It showed where you were in a given year. My last deployable unit was very small, only 10 men. We had between us 200 coins. That is all there are in the world, so having one of ours is a rare and special thing. I had 20 of them made additionally so when someone was outstanding in their performance of duties outside of that unit, or went out of there way to make something difficult, not, I rewarded their efforts. As I passed the coin to them I relayed how few there were in the entire world, and that by receiving one, their work had not gone unnoticed, and they were well appreciated as a person. Never did I get negative feedback from that.
I was not the only one that did that either. A medevac unit I was able to assist gave me one of there for my efforts. That is still one of my favorites, as the shape was completely different. The sentiments it was given in were something kind, and in Iraq that was hard to find. I loved the idea then, and I love it now.

Response by SGT Donald Shoup made Jun 2 at 2017 11:36 PM

SGT Donald Shoup — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 23:36:40 -0400

Some trade them, some give them away. I keep every one that is given to me from leadership. They remind me of where I started, where I've been, and what I've accomplished along the way. The highest one I have so far is from a 2 Star from my first deployment. I was one of three Soldiers to be given a coin that day from the Commanding General of the 1st TSC.

Response by SPC Ethan Steenbergen Beck made Jun 2 at 2017 11:41 PM

SPC Ethan Steenbergen Beck — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 23:41:10 -0400

I collect the ones I've been awarded with, and have used my highest only one time against a boot who was determined to get a free drink

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2017 12:23 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 00:23:37 -0400

Challenge Coins Were meant to mean something back in the days as to now it is a dog and pony show to receive one. Tradition has left the building as well as Customs and Courtesies. Let's go old school and bring back the Real Backbone.

Response by PFC Kyle Runyan made Jun 3 at 2017 3:37 AM

PFC Kyle Runyan — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 03:37:17 -0400

The 3 I had were stolen from me. I've never been so maddened in my life.

Response by Sgt Dan Gillies made Jun 3 at 2017 7:02 AM

Sgt Dan Gillies — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 07:02:04 -0400

I do both, and my rugby team has taken the tradition and if you are caught without yours , youl be buying a round! Love challenge coins but im older so maybe thats it. Semper Fi!

Response by SSgt Robert Martin made Jun 3 at 2017 9:46 AM

SSgt Robert Martin — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 09:46:16 -0400

I still have all of the ones I was presented. The best was from the Secretary of Defense while in Riyadh.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2017 10:51 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 10:51:23 -0400

Unfortunately I have lost 4 of my coins. They were in a old duffle bag full of extra non issue junk and the whole bag went poof.
Only two things I want from that bag (other than the bag itself) are my coins and the extra boots that were in it. :(

Response by SFC Bob Laverick made Jun 3 at 2017 12:41 PM

SFC Bob Laverick — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 12:41:18 -0400

Don't fit in the soda machines, so not very useful to me. I jut cherish my coin from the POTUS (W), Wolfowitz when he was deputy SoD, and those from a few Generals.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2017 12:44 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 12:44:37 -0400

I was a young SGT in a unit with an especially bad command climate. We worked hard, we gave the unit everything we had and we were highly successful. The unit was loath to give any recognition. So, a group of us very young NCOs had some coins made. (This was pre-internet). We found a guy in the Local town that made coins, he sold us a few dozen "blanks" and simply had them engraved with A CO 122 on one side and fuck'em on the other. We presented those to our top high-speeds. I believe those meant more to those young soldiers then any other award.

Response by PVT Jeromy Markin made Jun 3 at 2017 1:02 PM

PVT Jeromy Markin — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 13:02:54 -0400

I think they are BS.... I got a MND-B Division coin for pushing forward and engaging hostile targets in the "Surge"... all other elements buttoned up and did not return fire or engage at all... seemed like a good out to not do the paperwork... oh yeah same people that didn't engage "earned" their CIB that day...

Response by AN Amanda Wiggins made Jun 3 at 2017 2:52 PM

AN Amanda Wiggins — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 14:52:11 -0400

I was a bartender after I got out. Had a couple soldiers come in and I gave them their first bar challenge. I ended up giving them both a couple free because I was impressed they 1) knew what it was and 2) actually had coins on them.

Response by SFC Daniel Corbett made Jun 3 at 2017 3:13 PM

SFC Daniel Corbett — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 15:13:11 -0400

I keep a Presidential Coin in my pocket. I've been challenged once or twice at the VFW or by old guys when they come to the school to teach a class. They never challenge me twice. Only good thing that ever came from Clinton. Lol

Response by Cpl Chris Warner made Jun 3 at 2017 5:27 PM

Cpl Chris Warner — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 17:27:48 -0400

I have only received one Challenge coin, when I was promoted to Corporal, but that was the only time I've witnessed a Marine receiving one

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Jun 3 at 2017 5:48 PM

SSG(P) Brian Kliesen — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 17:48:37 -0400

Challenge coins were a big deal for a while, then everyone and their uncle started getting them and handing them out. In most cases it is a special and immediate way to recognize someone for doing something exceptional that may not qualify them for an award, particularly civilians or those in other branches or units. The higher the rank or organization of the giver, the cooler the coin. In my old unit it was a way of saying 'thanks for your help, but we're not going to give you an award, you get a coin instead'. Unfortunately the coins were butt ugly and after you got two or three, you'd give them away. Luckily they ran out a few years ago and we are back to paper certificates of appreciation that mean even less. However I've still kept a few coins that have personal significance to me, A 160th SOAR coin, a Delta Coin, a Canadian Army Peace Keeping Coin, a few from CSM's here and there. Then there are those who collect them and have a special rack in their office, they don't have a combat patch and only 3 ribbons, but they've for 50 coins (and they only bought a few of them). Anymore it seems you get a coin for being at the right place at the right time, nothing more...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2017 9:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 21:39:20 -0400

The coins have never meant much of anything to me. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the recognition value of the person giving it to me, but the coin itself has no value to me. I've lost most if not all of my coins, and don't even give them a second thought, until the topic is brought up.

Response by SGT Doug Turner made Jun 3 at 2017 9:55 PM

SGT Doug Turner — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 21:55:27 -0400

I cared about coins for all of maybe 6 months. I EARNED my first coin for busting my ass and excelling. I was proud of that coin. Then a few months later I got a coin from General Defretes for nothing more than being in his presence. It was pointless. I did nothing. More trivial coins came after that. See a high ranking individual, shake hands, talk about my job, get a coin. I started discarding them as soon as I got out of sight of the person. My ex wife kept around a dozen I got from 2008 - 2010 but after that I just give them to the closest person to me that's into that sorta thing. Now I'm a SETA Contractor and I get coins from everyone for training Soldiers for deployment (my job) I just hand them straight to the hardest working Soldier I trained that the Command overlooks and never recognizes. Coins are pointless.

Response by PV2 Joseph Myers made Jun 3 at 2017 10:02 PM

PV2 Joseph Myers — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 22:02:24 -0400

Never used them in the Army but now in the Civil Air Patrol I do

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 8:03 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 08:03:10 -0400

Some how even being in

Response by SGT Joshua Ulibarri made Jun 4 at 2017 11:05 AM

SGT Joshua Ulibarri — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 11:05:27 -0400

I lost a 3-star general coin once. I had it with me while traveling, fell asleep on the mwr couch in an airport and it fell out of my pocket into the couch. I didn't realize it until I was on the plane.

Response by SPC Kristina Robinson made Jun 4 at 2017 11:11 AM

SPC Kristina Robinson — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 11:11:16 -0400

I never received one while on active duty, but I did get a coin from R Lee Ermy, when we went to Sturgis one year, although it was a true "military" coin, still makes me happy

Response by MSG Dale Lee made Jun 4 at 2017 5:48 PM

MSG Dale Lee — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 17:48:59 -0400

Being an older soldier, I remember the pride I got when I first received a coin. If caught without it was the way of getting us I learned after the first time in the shower without it. I still have that first coin, with a hole drilled for my dogtag chain. Over the years they slowly diminished in meaning when you could purchase them. They no longer were a thing rare and everyone had many. They passed inspection and got a coin. I wouldn't trade or sell none of mine. They all have memories even though tarnished a bit

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 9:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 21:50:49 -0400

I could and would kill the guy who stole my regimental CSM coin and a 2 star coin I received from FT Campbell. A few years ago a coin to meant more than an award. The coin, was personal. The award a COL or LT. COL sees come across his desk daily.

Response by MSgt Walter Chamberlain made Jun 4 at 2017 11:43 PM

MSgt Walter Chamberlain — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 23:43:11 -0400

I live in fear because I lost my Lucky Puppy (131th TFS) coin. Ten years after leaving the squadron I got tagged at a NASCAR race.

Response by SFC Ray Guti made Jun 4 at 2017 11:54 PM

SFC Ray Guti — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 23:54:11 -0400

When I was in Germany, we had a soldier E5 promotion board. Soldier came in after doing the proper reporting proceedure, he then had the balls to coin challenge the board president. The CSM kicked him out.. the soldier also earned the respect of the CSM and was awarded full board points and was made promotable for E5.

Response by SPC James Looby made Jun 5 at 2017 7:02 AM

SPC James Looby — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 07:02:24 -0400

I've been given coins more meaningful then most my medals, It's not the coin that adds value but the accomplishment and memory attached.

Response by Cpl Bill Johnson made Jun 5 at 2017 9:58 AM

Cpl Bill Johnson — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 09:58:01 -0400

Mine are all in a baggie in my desk drawer.... maybe someday I will get around to doing something with them. Maybe.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 10:20 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 10:20:15 -0400

I like to collect them and pass them to those I've met in the course of my career. I'll buy several of my unit coins and give them to others as a sign of appreciation. For instance, my Career Course instructor collected coins from his students over his years, so I helped to increase his collection. It is a personal touch and adds to the camaraderie between Marines across the Fleet and Reserve.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 1:10 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 13:10:40 -0400

That BIRF life lol

Response by SFC William Stephens made Jun 5 at 2017 2:16 PM

SFC William Stephens — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 14:16:19 -0400

I collected coins for 20 years but really did have place to put them because my wife was against them until I moved and I made it thing when I got my own place that in my bed room I would honor the things I collected through my career.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Jun 5 at 2017 2:38 PM

SFC William Stephens — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 14:38:50 -0400

As a civilian I don't get many coins working for DOD/DON but I'm told when you do, it means something, so I received this coin in 2016 from NCIS inspection TEAM for all GO on Physical Security Inspection IG in DON Access Control, I keep this one right by my desk everyday.

Response by SGT Justin Moore made Jun 5 at 2017 3:48 PM

SGT Justin Moore — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 15:48:27 -0400

This is sounding more and more like a pokeman thing.....gotta catchem all lmao

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 4:50 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 16:50:58 -0400

We used it a lot in korea at the squadron hooch other than that I've never used it

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 5 at 2017 6:30 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 18:30:41 -0400

I've never used them. I do collect them. I have a few that were gifted, but most of them I bought as a memento. I have a coin from every base I've been to. I have a coin from every unit I've worked with. I have my boot camp coin. Then I have a coin for every rank I achieved. To me it's like having a piece of history from my contributions to the Marine Corps.

Response by SGT Damon Harvey made Jun 5 at 2017 7:50 PM

SGT Damon Harvey — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:50:12 -0400

Never used them for challenge, only have a few, I got out in 2000. But the 2 I like the most was one I received from Sargent Major of the Army Kidd. And one I received in 2014 at a veterans reception at the Texas Republican Convention from The soon to be Governor Greg Abbott. Just 2 cool coins that have a special meaning to me as the one from Abbott was a couple months before I received my disability rating. Cooler that the coin was seeing him honor all the old school vets to include one that served in WW2, Korea AND Vietnam. Now that's a special man.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 9:10 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 21:10:03 -0400

I never saw or even heard of a Challenge coin while I was in the Navy. However that was more than 20 years ago.

Response by AB Blake Bowers made Jun 6 at 2017 12:55 AM

AB Blake Bowers — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 00:55:13 -0400

I was in during a period of time when you did not see Challenge coins, in the 70's and 80's. Their us blossomed about the same time when you got two automatic ribbons/awards just for making it through Basic, and could get up to 4. That has cheapened the meaning of awards to us old timers.

Response by Cpl Patrick Westcott made Jun 6 at 2017 6:47 AM

Cpl Patrick Westcott — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 06:47:23 -0400

I keep one in my wallet. Who doesn't love free shots?

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Jan 31 at 2020 9:39 AM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 09:39:31 -0500

Got any good ones? send them my way!

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Feb 2 at 2020 12:05 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 00:05:26 -0500

I have been given some collector coins which I keep and would give up but I won't say I'm a collector. They are things that represent often units I've been in or people I've met so some of My own History is often tied in with it I sure can't carry them all around and don't but keep them in a safe place, not usually where they can bee seen but where I can access them at any time.