Posted on Oct 19, 2019
SPC Microwave Systems Operator/Maintainer
3.55K
30
10
5
5
0
So, I am at my first duty station. Starting to find my battle rhythm here. Recently received my first challenge coin. When I have been out at the bars, I have sometimes seen people pull out their coins and make the person that has the lowest ranking one buy a round of shots for everyone else. I have three that I have been given by my father, and was wondering if I pulled one of those out while at the bar if people would accept it. Being the oldest, each time my dad deployed I took over as the man of the house. Each time he got back I would receive one of his challenge coins. Once while he was a company commander, battalion commander, and brigade commander.

I am new to the coins, and although my dad would explain the significance of the coins when I received them each time he got back, it wasn't until I was presented one solely for my merit here with my unit that the lightbulb clicked on and I my brain went "Oh, this means I did good work."

I feel like I earned the other ones as well though. I learned how to cook and do laundry at ten years old to help my Mom. Got my license the day I turned 16 to drive my younger siblings around to their extra activities. But I don't know the culture with the coins all at well, and don't know how other people would perceive it. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Posted in these groups: Liberty manor challenge coin Challenge Coin
Avatar feed
Responses: 7
Lt Col Jim Coe
7
7
0
Use the coins you earned on your own merit. The one's from your Dad are priceless gold! Keep them safely stored away.
(7)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Michael Hasbun
6
6
0
722f6c15
Am I fond of coins, yes. But it's time for you to earn your coins. Coins are basically physical memories. I can certainly appreciate the way you feel about your grandfathers coins, but they are just that. HIS coins. Time to earn your own. it'll happen... Just do your best.
(6)
Comment
(0)
CSM Richard StCyr
CSM Richard StCyr
>1 y
Nice display!
(1)
Reply
(0)
SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
>1 y
CSM Richard StCyr - Gracias senor!
(2)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Laurie Mullen
5
5
0
I wouldn't play the coin game with challenge coins given to you by your father. Keep them as a family memento, but use coins that you EARNED from your own service to play the game.
(5)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close