Your thoughts on cup and flower funds...

I can't stand the premise of buying your own generic plaque. I'm not saying they aren't nice, but if you contribute, even if you are the worst leader on earth, you still get the same plaque that everyone else gets.<div><br></div><div>And we all know the commanders that violate the policy left and right of forcing people to contribute. I had one commander have it added to command and staff slides (who hadn't paid).</div><div><br></div><div>I got my plaque, it was decent, with a small guidon.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>But what I really LOVED was the personalized gifts I got from my Soldiers on their own...no one forced them to contribute (I hope) to the 1SG's departing gift.</div><div><br></div><div>I do understand the nickel and dime effect but what is your take on these?</div><div><br></div><div>Here are some that I didn't buy for myself (that's what I hate the most, the concept that you basically got your own going away). For the black and white one you have to click the photo to see the whole thing.</div><div><br></div><div>PS - I always contribute to the cup and flower, because that's what we do as leaders, but there has to be a better way. Has anyone discovered it?</div>