How long into your service did you earn your first coin?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 02:24:38 -0400

I got my first earned coin a little past my 3 1/2 years mark. I got it for having the most squared away uniform in a ASU inspection.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 8:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 08:08:33 -0400

I received my first coin while I was still at AIT. I led a detail doing some menial task at Signal Towers in Fort Gordon. Does my second one even count if I bought it? (Airborne School)

Response by SrA Zachary Bolling made Apr 7 at 2014 8:14 AM

SrA Zachary Bolling — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 08:14:21 -0400

I had only been in for about 5-6 months. I volunteered to help set up and maintain the obstacle course for the Defenders Challenge on Lackland AFB and a BG rewarded myself and 5 others for volunteering. I was pretty stoked.

Response by SSG Shawn M. made Apr 7 at 2014 9:05 AM

SSG Shawn M. — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:05:08 -0400

6 months after I got to my first unit. My BN CSM and XO were visiting my PLT on Camp Carroll and myself and one other soldier had to pick them up and chauffeur them around. We each got coins at the end of the day even after leaving the XO at one of his meetings.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 9:12 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:12:29 -0400

I got my first coin back in Basic.
One day our CSM just happened to be strolling by and he asked me to sing for him the Army song.
Terrified and trembling I mustered up the courage to sound off and push it out. About halfway through and with everyone's eyes on me, the CSM stopped me and coined me for my bravery.

Good times.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 9:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:19:58 -0400

6 Months in. I received my first for being the honor Graduate of my AIT class.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 10 at 2014 7:39 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 19:39:04 -0400

15 years and I honestly do not remember what I got it for

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made Jul 25 at 2014 8:44 AM

PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 08:44:51 -0400

Never Got one while in the Navy. Got one from the US Coast Guard after hurricane Katrina. The coast Guard Used the Hotels and Convention Center I was managing as the NOLA Coast Guard Command Station. After all was said and done I got a Letter of Com, a pin and a Coin from the Co of the Coast Guard Sector of New Orleans.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2014 11:44 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 11:44:02 -0400

First room inspection 2 months in at AIT for the cleanest room on the floor.

Ended AIT with 4 coins.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Jul 27 at 2014 11:59 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 11:59:25 -0400

My first coin came 30 years after I got out. I received one for being a guest instructor at NDU - Ft. McNair for Robotic and Autonomous Systems.

Never heard of challenge coins in my day.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 7:40 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 07:40:31 -0400

First year in, I got to meet the commandant and got a coin. It was nice...but now I cant find it...dang being young and misplacing things. On a positive note they caught the one thief in the Marine Corps:

http://www.duffelblog.com/2012/08/corps-lone-thief-apprehended-marines-rejoice-burn-missing-gear-statements/#!boH75V

Marine Corps’ Lone Thief Apprehended

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos was proud to announce to reporters today that his faith is renewed in the mantra of Marines’ never “lying, cheating, or stealing.” The press pool — unsure of what his final remarks would be — continued to speculate on what he meant until the moment he entered …

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 28 at 2014 8:57 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 08:57:09 -0400

About the same, around three years. Met GEN. Jones before heading to Afghanistan, got his coin.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Jul 28 at 2014 9:38 AM

SFC Stephen Carden — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 09:38:18 -0400

Coins are about being in the right place at the right time. I got one coin in my first 13 years of service. I got it in 2001 for something or other. Then I went to Korea and the floodgates opened. Since 2001, I have gotten 30 or 40 coins from various units. I once got a coin for sitting in my car. Seriously, I was just sitting in my car during UFL in 2007 in Korea, and some officer from an engineer unit walked by, knocked on my car window, and handed me a coin. It was really wierd. Hell, my wife got a 4-star coin before I did! In Korea, from GEN BB Bell, the USFK/UNC Commander.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 10:29 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 10:29:55 -0400

I was given my first coin about 8 months in the Army. In 2010, West Point was offering those under the age of 23 with high GT scores a weekend visit to the campus to understand the life of a freshman Cadet at the USMA. This was a recruiting process to accept more Activee Duty Soldiers into the program. During the Army, vs. Virginia Military Institute football game, a group of about 25 junior enlisted Soldiers, including myself, received a coin from CSM Mahoney, the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the United States Military Academy. The coin was to show appreciation for making the sacrifice of joining the Army and for sharing our experiences with the future 2nd Lieutenants of the Army.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 28 at 2014 10:45 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 10:45:09 -0400

Day one. I recieved a coin from the commander of ROTC Adv Camp (now LDAC) on graduation day when I was commissioned.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 28 at 2014 11:21 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 11:21:01 -0400

I didn't receive my first coin until after about 3 years. I PCSed to Ft. Campbell and graduated AASLT. I received my AASLT Coin at graduation. Until that point, I didn't even know there was such a thing! Think I have well over 100 now! LOL!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 11:29 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 11:29:17 -0400

One year. I got it when I participated in the BWC at Bragg. I actually just got my second two weeks ago!

Response by SSG Dean Hipps made Jul 28 at 2014 12:55 PM

SSG Dean Hipps — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:55:38 -0400

About 2-3 years. Was out on guard duty and shot the SMA. He was upset that his miles gear was going off. I got one of his coins. I asked for him to vault to be reckonized and he kept on marching lol. No idea where it is now.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 1:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 13:02:17 -0400

While it is supposed to be a form of recognition, I don't see what the big deal is when it is being handed out like candy. If it does mean something for you, good for you! If you don't remember when and why you got it, it is just a pretty piece of metal now, isn't it?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 2:03 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 14:03:04 -0400

I was deployed and the 32nd commander came and he wanted to give out some coins and I was picked to get one in my CO. I was a PFC 20 months give or take in service.

Response by SPC Richard White made Jul 28 at 2014 2:23 PM

SPC Richard White — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 14:23:22 -0400

Never got a coin back in my day.In fact I had never heard of them at the time.I would love to have some now however.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 2:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 14:43:12 -0400

Got my first coin in AIT. School house CSM gave me and a few others coins for being the top grades on the Basic Electronics class before we started our MOS classes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 6:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 06:44:31 -0400

Love everyones stories behind their first coin! I still only have one, that I earned myself. Hopefully before I ETS I can get one more.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 12:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:01:29 -0400

I got my first coin about six months after I joined. It was Fort Hood TX, I was asked to introduce my Section SGT during her induction into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. I was so frighten that I froze in the middle of my intro for about 20 sec. The III Corp. Commander was in the audience and I remember looking at him and seeing him gesture to get me to start back up, I continued on and got off the stage. I was presented a coin from the III Corp. Commander and CSM after the ceremony was over.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 12:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:08:17 -0400

I personally do not have any interest or hold any value to any coins. To me they are somewhat degrading in a way. I see them as little treats you give people that happen to be in the right place at the right time. I believe an honest hand shake or congratulations goes further than a coin. If the accomplishment was big enough why not an award? Then again I'm not too big on awards either, most depend on rank anyway.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 11:12 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 23:12:35 -0400

first coin i got was at my first Marine Corps birthday ball, everybody got one. I was a PFC with 10 months TIS

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2014 9:36 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 21:36:27 -0400

I earned mine 3 1/2 years into ROTC. I was one of the planners for a six school FTX, presented by the brigade CSM. "Real Army" wise it took me a year from my battalion commander at my annual training. It took another year to receive an award for my uniform. Until then I had fewer ribbons than my privates returning from AIT as they got the GWOTSM and I did not.

Response by Cpl Robert Hare made Jul 30 at 2014 10:47 PM

Cpl Robert Hare — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 22:47:16 -0400

We didn't have coins when I was in. When I got out in 1993 there was still no such thing.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Jul 30 at 2014 11:06 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 23:06:56 -0400

I got a coin from a dirtbag LTC. Wanted to throw it at him, but since I was a 1LT and not a civilian at the time...

I felt justified when I watched/testified for the court martial that resulted in his BCD...

Response by COL Eric Holmes made Jul 31 at 2014 1:21 AM

COL Eric Holmes — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 01:21:59 -0400

I received my first coin around 2000 which means about 20 years. This was from the Army Football coach. My favorite COIN is from SECDEF.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Aug 3 at 2014 1:14 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 13:14:39 -0400

I was about 18 months into my first duty station when I received my first coin. I competed in the USAREUR CAV Cup in 1992 with the team from 1/4 INF. We had a lot of fun and it was an awesome experience. We received 7th ATC coins from then MG Montgomery C. Meigs.

Response by PO1 Gideon Helms made Aug 6 at 2014 3:31 PM

PO1 Gideon Helms — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:31:09 -0400

we didn't have or where given coins will I was in.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2014 6:10 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 18:10:56 -0400

I got my first coin after graduation of A-School for being top of the class, and my second during C-School for the same reason. It'd be nice to actually 'earn' a coin though.

Response by SPC Richard White made Oct 14 at 2014 9:16 PM

SPC Richard White — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 21:16:12 -0400

Back in my day Challenge coins were unheard of.It was until after being out for 20 plus years did I hear of such a creature.Never been awarded one.I have been given a couple

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 11:06 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 23:06:16 -0400

16 years in. First coin that I was ever presented was from my Father as I left for my mobilization. Carried it with me then and to this day.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 14 at 2014 11:31 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 23:31:01 -0400

I think I got my first coin at about 6 years in for deploying to Spain on a training exercise with my sister-battalion....but then coins weren't really that much of a thing then. They existed, but there just weren't many people around that had one. When it was all said and done, I think I ended up with 5 or 6 of them.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Oct 15 at 2014 1:13 AM

Cpl Dennis F. — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 01:13:20 -0400

Coins? And they say Marines have odd traditions. The only COIN I ever knew of, was counter-intel.

Response by SFC James Rigdon made Oct 15 at 2014 4:38 AM

SFC James Rigdon — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 04:38:29 -0400

I got my first coin in OIF 1, 2003 I had only been in the Army for 3 years in this MOS 42A. I was assigned to the Baghdad International Airport after it was cleared (the picture) and I was with 3rd ID. We was the first PSDR ever assembled in a Combat Zone. because their was no other Division level support for Human resources I took it upon myself to insure that all board proceeding's were put into EDAS and I was recognized by 2 units for assisting them with NCOER/Promotions.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 15 at 2014 7:22 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 07:22:03 -0400

The AF gives every graduating Airman from Basic a coin (started about a decade ago). First "real" coin was from the 421st Ground Combat Readiness Squadron for a couple of months of OPFOR for Phoenix Readiness. Favorite coin is from the SECDEF.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 10:06 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 10:06:08 -0400

I understand those in the forum that really don't put value on the coin concept. I do not hand out mine to Soldiers who happen to be in the right place at the right time, that cheapens the concept. I use them as a form of recognition to Soldiers who have obviously gone the extra mile.

The exact history of the coining tradition varies. I always explain this to the Soldiers if I hand them their first coin. Regardless of the lineage/duration of the tradition, it is a quick way to recognize a Soldier's service. I did not really appreciate them much earlier in my career. I guess the older you get, the more you look back and appreciate it. I have mine on my desk and they do bring back a lot memories.

My first was from the then Post CSM of Fort Benning. Myself and and a few from my squad were "voluntold" that we would be assisting with EIB testing. We were out on the route for the road march and "motivated" a few of the participants to complete to standard. The CSM rode by, stopped, got out, talk to us for a bit then coined us. I was at about the 1.5 year mark.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 10:48 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 10:48:35 -0400

I received my first coin from the USARSO CSM, for giving him a brief about our ISR capabilities. I was in the Army for about 18 months, the second coin I got was when I PCSed from my last unit, they gave me the certificate for my ARCOM, and said they were sorry that we didn't have an awards presentation, to which I replied "I haven't had one for any of my others, why start now." My 1SG felt bad and gave me a company coin and a company patch. Those are the only 2 I have though, I would rather have coins in some instances than have awards.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 11:33 AM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:33:30 -0400

My first coin came about 2 years into my service. I was an E-2 Working a E6 billet out of rate. I worked it for 9 Months recieved a NAM and when i got the NAM the Captain handed me her challenge coin for such good and hard work.

Response by SFC Melker Johansson made Oct 15 at 2014 1:10 PM

SFC Melker Johansson — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 13:10:32 -0400

I got the 369th AG BN Coin at AIT for being selected by my peers as the AIT student most living up to the Army Values.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 2:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:10:36 -0400

Wow this post blew up over night! Lol. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 2:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:15:51 -0400

I got the first one my first year in Diamond Saber (Annual Training) at Ft McCoy.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Oct 15 at 2014 4:14 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 16:14:48 -0400

I recieved 3 coins in Basic for leadership. I think I have 15 overall, a lot were from volunteer work, being the youngest soldier, and signifcantly impacting the mission and unit. My first coin was actually in AFROTC, I think it was my DET coin or an Arnold Air Society coin...can't remember.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 7:39 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:39:01 -0400

It's been 13 years, and I'm at 17 coins (and my wife, at 10 years, has an additional 5). I know some people who are near retirement and only have 1-2, and others who have dozens of them with only a few years. Right place, right time, I suspect...

My first coin, however, was ROTC Basic Camp (now called LTC), Ft. Knox, Summer 2001. I wasn't even technically in the Army yet (I signed my papers Monday, Sep. 10, 2001).

At the beginning of the camp, leadership positions were by rotation. The last week, though, were cadre selections based off whatever demonstrated skills cadets showed prior. Those were the cadets who led the unit when marching in the graduation parade. I was selected as one of them. The whole group practiced the day before, but the leadership roles did extra practice before and after. At the end of practice, we were all given coins.

It turns out there was more than that going on, though. We were the last cycle of the summer, and the camp commander (my mind is settling on COL Stephanie Hunter but I'm not sure anymore) was not only rotating out, but retiring. So, our graduation was also a retirement and change of command ceremony -- that made it dreadfully long.

But we also learned that the coins were usually only given after graduation, not after the last practice. That was changed because of the command change and retirement, as she wouldn't be the CDR after that.

This led to one hilarious point where one of the other cadets who received a coin saw her in town that night and coin-checked her! Not even two hours had passed, and she was coin-checked with her own coin! She didn't have one on her, so in the grand tradition of buying the winner a drink, she got him a 2-liter of Coke on the spot (since he was not yet 21).

Response by SPC Charles Slininger made Oct 22 at 2014 12:06 PM

SPC Charles Slininger — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 12:06:27 -0400

I got my first coin from my BC as I was getting on the bus to be mobilized to Iraq in OIF I. We were deploying with a different state NG so our Lt Col wanted us to remember where we came from. After that I came back with a couple more coins including a "We Got Him" coin as I was providing signal for the 4th ID the night Saddam got caught. Didn't know for sure until I went to the mess hall at 7AM when I got off shift. Definitely one of the highlights of my career.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jul 18 at 2018 12:29 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 12:29:36 -0400

This coin sitrep has only been going strong in these last 12 years. If going in my time back in 70’s and 80’s it’s a right time-right place sit-rep. I’ve gotten a few
Veteran Service org coins.. and a V.F.W. Chaplain gave me a AF coin(got that in my wallet with a V.F.W. Life member coin in another wallet pocket.

I remember back when if s’body asked how many V.F.W. Life members
In the room or Canteen.. they were buying,... So we follow to Canteen andpull our the LM card.. now I pull out the coin.. (still got to pull out the wallet to get the coin out..). I’d observed at the post one of the Members buying drinks for his group on various occasion. .. well I knew none were L.M’s. (I do work on them especially when dues are going up to be L.M.’s.). Onan occasion way back when I first got to the Post, I did the “anybody in the room L.M’s” and 3 pulled their cards..
I was glad they were only drink’g beer.
So I bought 4 plus my own .. it was $1 beer hour.. that ewas good too.. the bar maid(same one that poured them other guys their drinks) said I wasn’t being “ “politically correct”.. this isn’t about being p.c., it’s about being L.M.s, them other guys miss out.. all they got to do is be L.M’s.. First.. when they get their cards or have their receipt and I ask again, they’ll get a beer... not before !... I do hope they’re drink’g drsught.. less expensive than can beer.... So she went to house committee to whine.. SURPRISE ! They backed me (she was on vacay for a week and. Mrs appointed a new committee(all L.M.s and a one a L.M Aux mbr. Yeah.. a little lopsided.. ( so 5 Post mbrs, 1 Aux mbr. Cmdr only votes to break a split tie Vote)... So she rallies to get more non-life mbrs on house committee (increase committee size)... So she tried to make her own rule; do that when she isn’t working. She’s a non-voting person because she’s an employee..even though she’s in Aux. We had a rule that an officer at Post level cannot be a Bar employee nor an Aux. Mbr who’s sn Officer. She rallied to get house committee to vote on a different day so she could be off for a meeting.. So she took 2 hrs vacay time so she could vote..
meeting was generally done at 0730..
That time was flexible.. So she could present what was going on.. Her beef then was the L.M. Cards .. her and her political correctness.. “What if they don’t want to or can’t afford to be L.M’s?”
Their loss.. they can make quarterly payments..if they can’t afford a one time fee. The V.F.W. Is not a democracy ! Not because of getting a drink but because dues were going up across board for regular members.. next one the next year for new L.M’s. ... so we had a big putsch for becoming L.M’s. .. and depending on age .. I became a Life Member in’91 or ‘92. I’d already renewed and decided to go L.M. Before vote by
Nat’l CofA.. I only had to pay a little more
My total payout was $160.. and.. they voted against it... that’s okay.. it doubled the next year.. it’d be over $400 .. We sold raffle tickets to win a L.M. We had to sell so many and if we sold enough, one more L.M. Be named. Aux had their’s we had ours... ..We sold for $10 a ticket .. for a young person 10 ticket chances was only $100. For a $400+ membership.
For an older Member it varies.. Say we’d earned enough to buy several memberships.. depending on age from 25 on up.. so we have 26 yr old win and 3 more in different 10 year apart Age. Groups would determine how many we can buy... We ran it for a year and were able to purchase 7 Life memberships... a couple really elderly guys won.. that was like $300 and some in their early 70’s..
We talked to membership and wanted to add more LMs... would they be opposed if we drew a few more tickets to partially pay on some mrmbrerships.. we had to post that idea and give more that bought tickets to vote on new ideas a chance to yea or nay.. we gave another 60 day grace period... Another young fella showed whose high number ticket didn’t get called yet.. objected and lost.. it didn’t matter.. we drew his ticket and he still only had to pay 50% on his life membership. We drew another 2 and paid 25% .. they were in their 60’s then..
So we drew a few more than we would of..
We decide to wait and do it again in the next Recruiting year.. that’d Be a few months away.. We voted to forward any remaining $ to the next drawings....