Posted on Mar 27, 2016
SGT Aaron Atwood
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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).
Posted in these groups: Liberty manor challenge coin Challenge Coin045d55de Collecting
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SSG(P) Brian Kliesen
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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...
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Cpl Chris Warner
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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
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PVT Jeromy Markin
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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...
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SGT Signal Support Systems Specialist
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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. :(
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PFC Kyle Runyan
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The 3 I had were stolen from me. I've never been so maddened in my life.
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SGT Donald Shoup
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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.
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PO1 Aaron Baltosser
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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.
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TSgt Kenneth Ellis
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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.
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SFC Stephen Williams
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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
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PFC Cory Sawyer
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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.
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