My twist on the tradition of the First Salute and the Silver dollar.

A hobby of mine is collecting US Silver Dollars (Morgans, Peace, and Silver Eagles) and like most officers, I presented a Silver Dollar in recognition of my first salute. But unlike most officers, at the time, I was an NCOES instructor assigned to an NCO Academy, which meant my fellow instructors received my first salute and a silver dollar (7 silver dollars total). Fortunately, I scoured the city banks (pre-Ebay) and had 8 silver dollars on-hand for the occasion (one from a salute I had received from a newly commission officer, earlier in my career). While passing out the other 7 silver dollars, I retained that silver dollar until my retirement, 28 years later.

Upon the occasion of my Army retirement, I had the privilege to address my unit, one last time. This tradition usually results in a review of all the soldiers and leaders that mentored, taught, guided and influenced the soldier over the years. As well as a review of the tough assignments, long hours and the accomplishments achieved during the career. Finished by an acknowledgement of the supporting family. I did not disappoint in this area but added a discussion on my 'final salute.'

As a cavalryman, I acknowledged that my retirement meant 'passing the reins' to a young trooper. So, I directed that the most junior officer report to the front of the formation and once there, pulled out my silver dollar. I remarked that the silver dollar, like this junior officer had three values.

The first value is the one the US government marks on the coin "One Dollar' as well as on the Lieutenant (his rank). For the most part, this is the minimum value for both, establishing an order among coins and officers alike.

The second value is the 'metal/mettle value' based on the composition of the Silver dollar (90% silver and 10% Copper) and the officer. Market price is set by demand. For coins, that remain unmelted, like officers, who remain steadfast and loyal, it is about resilience and perseverance. If the value of silver drops, much like the projected demand for officers, the coin will be discarded to a desk drawer and the officer will be discarded through a reduction in force. This is a middle value.

The third value is the 'collector's value' and is based on the rarity and uniqueness of the coin. The rarer the quality or imperfection, the greater demand and higher the price for the coin. The same holds true for officers. Officers with unique abilities or character, are sought out by many, creating a 'bidding war' for their next assignment with many monitoring the officer, awaiting an opportunity to serve with them. One need only remember that General George Marshall followed the careers of both Eisenhower and Patton, prior to World War II, to understand this concept.

At this point in my presentation, I passed my silver dollar to the young officer and advised that they develop their skills and hone their mettle, be a student of the art and science of armed conflict, Army Medicine or diplomacy and work to be an individual in demand by others. Because it is easy to fall back on your formal rank. But it is much tougher to take challenging career opportunities, serve in positions, regardless of rank, and sacrifice for others while retaining one's character. I asked that he:
- protect his honesty and integrity (once lost it is near impossible to regain)
- remain loyal to his faith, country and family,
- respect others, regardless of status or position,
- do his duty, and
- serve selflessly

Finally, I rendered my last salute, ending a near 40 year career and dismissed the trooper and the unit.

Since that last formation, 6 years ago, a couple of CSMs in the unit have contacted me about my 'Three values of the Silver Dollar' presentation. Apparently, it meant something to them and they wanted to include it in their retirement ceremony. Personally, I like the idea of senior officers and NCOs, passing a silver dollar to a junior officer or NCO, to signify a passing of the reins and the final salute. Maybe someone you know would like to do the same.