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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

That BIRF life lol

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.

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

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.