Posted on Oct 18, 2017
What is the proper etiquette if I earn a coin from another unit that I already have?
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A couple years ago I was coined by the commander of another unit. Now I am working with this same unit and was coined again. This is probably a dumb question, but is there a certain way I should handle it? Do I keep the coin? Politely decline the coin, etc? I haven't been in this situation before and it never occurred to me until now.
Posted in these groups: 
Challenge Coin
Etiquette
Challenge Coin Etiquette
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 29
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Keep the coin, but set it aside... add 1 OLC to your previous coin.
(Just kidding, but seriously, just keep the coin.)
(Just kidding, but seriously, just keep the coin.)
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Be thankful and keep the coin. The coins are supposed to be a form of instant recognition for a job well done and even if it's from the same unit, if given for it's intended purpose means you're doing well and the commander or in my case the CSM recognizes your efforts.
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It's not a dumb question, but I think you are overthinking this. Just keep it. It's a coin you've earned twice by this unit. Might come off as insulting to turn it down.
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Keep the coin and thank the person who gave it to you, CW2 (Join to see). They thought enough of you to give you the coin. You should think enough of them to accept. Consider the giver and the reason it was given, not the gift. Not only that, it would be awkward and embarrassing to return it.
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SSG Randy Talbot
Great response. I received many coins from my command and commanders for work and events coordinated and executed. It is humbling to be recognized and shows you how the command thinks about the service rendered. We viewed these as impact awards from the command or program manager for what you did, then and there. Its recognition for a job well done.
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Definitely keep it, it doesn't hurt having multiple and you can have a story to each. I received 3 Challenge Coins from the 31st MEU CO/SgtMaj while I was there and was the only 3 times he gave them out. It was funny on the inside and everyone who knew laughed about it. Returning it would more than likely be seen as rude, display that extra coin with pride!
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No man is an island, if you received the 2nd coin and someone helped you get there, specially if it was a subordinate, why not reward them for their efforts.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
This is what I did at my first unit. By the time I left I had 7 Div CDR/CSM coins. Most of them went to some of my outstanding performers in my last year's there.
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Keep it, display them next to each other, each one displaying the opposite side.
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I have 4 coins from the same Battalion, given to me by different Battalion Commanders. Each one brings back different memories. I suggest you accept the coin graciously and add it to your coin rack. Nobody is going to give you a hard time for being recognized more than once. If you earned it, you earned it.
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The value of mementos like that is not the coin itself, but the memories they evoke when you look at them later. Each coin will be a reminder of a specific activity or event, so even though the coins might look the same, they will actually seem different. Over time, it will be the memories that will mean something to you, more than the coin itself.
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Be very glad that you were recognized by the unit, I have several Division and Regiment coins but from a variety of Commanders. It is an award and a thoughtful gift, don't demean it by refusing.
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