Military Challenge coins.....let's see what ya got - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Military Challenge coins.....let's see what ya got (Page 1 of 3)

Posted: 6/2/2012 4:20:15 PM EDT

Here's one I received when I deployed to Iraq as a contract Firefighter at Al Asad Airbase

Front:

Back:

Posted: 6/2/2012 7:20:27 PM EDT

[#1]

Because I know someone will post this:

Posted: 6/2/2012 9:43:00 PM EDT

[#2]

I got a USMC challenge coin that my youngest got me for Christmas a few years ago because she thought it was cool........it's somewhere.

Posted: 6/3/2012 9:16:41 AM EDT

[#3]

I dont get the whole coin thing...

Posted: 6/3/2012 12:57:47 PM EDT

[#4]

I have several coins that were given to me that don't don't carry or have used for anything other than covering my cards in a poker game but...

I gotta admit, the OPs coin is pretty cool.

Posted: 6/3/2012 4:23:38 PM EDT

[#5]

Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

Posted: 6/3/2012 4:25:45 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

Seriously?

Posted: 6/3/2012 4:26:07 PM EDT

[#7]

I was in Al Asad in 2006, the Contract Fire Fighters let the Mess Hall burn down just before Thanksgiving.

Posted: 6/3/2012 4:38:33 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
I was in Al Asad in 2006, the Contract Fire Fighters let the Mess Hall burn down just before Thanksgiving.

I heard all about that....I was there in 2010, in fact I've seen pictures taken during the "extinguishing" efforts.

I wasn't "coin checking", was just curious about coins others have received. I have others I've received during other deployments and not so I could get that "warm and fuzzy feeling" of validation.

Posted: 6/3/2012 4:42:29 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

Posted: 6/3/2012 4:46:32 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
I have several coins that were given to me that don't don't carry or have used for anything other than covering my cards in a poker game but...

I gotta admit, the OPs coin is pretty cool.

Thanks, I thought the design was pretty slick on this coin, especially on the back. I've never carried any of the coins I've gotten, but I do display them on a bookshelf along with my old department badges and patches.

Posted: 6/3/2012 4:57:37 PM EDT

[#11]

I got this from General Odierno in Iraq in 2009. I have a bunch of cool challenge coins, but this is probably the rarest one.

Posted: 6/3/2012 5:10:51 PM EDT

[#12]

Ebay has everything...

Posted: 6/3/2012 5:13:52 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

Next thing you know, they'll be handing out medals or something.

Posted: 6/3/2012 6:02:23 PM EDT

[#14]

Ive been coined a few times and I really cherish those. I understand and respect the tradition behind challenge coins. However there is one thing that annoys the shit out of me when I'm trying to enjoy a nice cold beer is some fuckhead throwing down a coin on the bar. No motherfucker I'm not buying you a drink, get a fucking life and buy your own beer. We had some limpdick First Sgt try that shit in a bar in Korea and we all walked out on him. The best thing to do with those coins is to put them in one of those little shelves and leave them at home because if you throw them down at the club everyone will think you're a fag.

Posted: 6/3/2012 11:39:59 PM EDT

[#15]

I've got a pile of them. Some are pretty cool looking. They stay in my jewelry box with my dog tags, my old police badge, my silver coins, my jump wings, old wedding band, etc.

Basically, the stuff I'll give to my kids one day.

I will say, some of them I got for performance at military schools, where the commandants were too cheap to give out COA's or something that would actually help a soldier's career.

Posted: 6/3/2012 11:54:02 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
I've got a pile of them. Some are pretty cool looking. They stay in my jewelry box with my dog tags, my old police badge, my silver coins, my jump wings, old wedding band, etc.

Basically, the stuff I'll give to my kids one day.

I will say, some of them I got for performance at military schools, where the commandants were too cheap to give out COA's or something that would actually help a soldier's career.

This...mine are still boxed up from past PCS move.

Posted: 6/4/2012 4:48:00 AM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
I got this from General Odierno in Iraq in 2009. I have a bunch of cool challenge coins, but this is probably the rarest one.

Damn that thing is huge!

V
OUT

Posted: 6/4/2012 4:53:01 AM EDT

[#18]

This is the only one I have ever received and I got it a few years ago. Never heard of Challenge Coins when I was active duty in the late 80's.

ETA: Crappy pic, I have to find it to take a better one. It's a Head of the Joint Chiefs coin.

Posted: 6/4/2012 6:45:17 AM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

Posted: 6/4/2012 6:57:58 AM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:

Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

+1

My uncle never got his D-Day Challenge Coin to prove to people on the Internet he was there. What he does have is all his body parts intact and terrible memories he tries to forget.

Posted: 6/4/2012 7:07:15 AM EDT

[#21]

among others:

Posted: 6/4/2012 9:17:31 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

One day I wish that I could be as hard as you.

Posted: 6/4/2012 9:18:55 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

One day I wish that I could be as hard as you.

+1

Posted: 6/4/2012 10:07:14 AM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

+1

My uncle never got his D-Day Challenge Coin to prove to people on the Internet he was there. What he does have is all his body parts intact and terrible memories he tries to forget.

+1
I keep the memories of jerking off in portajohns all over the world fresh in my mind to remember the good times.

Posted: 6/4/2012 10:12:27 AM EDT

[#25]

Probably the most unique that I have.

Posted: 6/4/2012 1:28:07 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

"I'm an older vet and I feel the need to lord my experiences over everyone, and belittle the efforts of the men who took our place."

Your attitude is everything that's wrong with senior military members. Challenge coins are incredibly lame to show off, yes (Take the hint OP), but having a collection at your house? Why not? I have a challenge coin the local police department made in memory of my father. Does that make me a bad person for displaying the coin in my home?

Posted: 6/4/2012 1:42:40 PM EDT

[#27]

I received my first coin as a young PFC in 11th Special Forces Group in 1980 (I was in the Reserves back then). At the time it was pretty much Special Forces units that had the coins. Later, when I entered Active Duty, I noticed an increase in coins until we got to the point where every organization now seems to have one.

That being said, I'm pleased to have the few that I have. They're in my office desk at home, and at some point I'll place a few that I especially treasure in a display case for my own enjoyment.

Posted: 6/4/2012 4:58:22 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
I got this from General Odierno in Iraq in 2009. I have a bunch of cool challenge coins, but this is probably the rarest one.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/spamcanphotobucket/IMG_1195.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/spamcanphotobucket/IMG_1196.jpg

That beats the one an Army 3 star gave me.

Posted: 6/4/2012 5:55:57 PM EDT

[#29]

I got a few others, but lost most of them. These are the ones I still have. Got most all of them in Iraq.

Posted: 6/4/2012 9:09:28 PM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx81/mgwantob/photo-3.jpg

I got a few others, but lost most of them. These are the ones I still have. Got most all of them in Iraq.

Very nice collection!

Posted: 6/4/2012 9:19:50 PM EDT

[#31]

My second week at my unit was my first week out in the field. I was trying to do everything right but didn't know enough to do it right and felt like I was screwing everything up. The third or fourth day someone coined my squad leader and he didn't give two shits about it so he gave it to me and told me to keep up the good work. That coin meant a hell of a lot. Our brigade coin that commemorates the capture of Saddam doesn't even come close to how much that first coin meant.

My sister has a coin from some specialist who had his own coins made. That thing is about 5-6" round, can't remember what the design was but it was pretty awesome. It was way bigger than Gen. Ordinero's coin pictured previously.

Posted: 6/4/2012 11:48:37 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
My second week at my unit was my first week out in the field. I was trying to do everything right but didn't know enough to do it right and felt like I was screwing everything up. The third or fourth day someone coined my squad leader and he didn't give two shits about it so he gave it to me and told me to keep up the good work. That coin meant a hell of a lot. Our brigade coin that commemorates the capture of Saddam doesn't even come close to how much that first coin meant.

My sister has a coin from some specialist who had his own coins made. That thing is about 5-6" round, can't remember what the design was but it was pretty awesome. It was way bigger than Gen. Ordinero's coin pictured previously.

Now THAT is some funny shit.

Posted: 6/5/2012 10:25:46 PM EDT

[#33]

I have more, but they are in storage somewhere. Some date back to 1988 when I got in.

Posted: 6/6/2012 8:27:07 AM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

One day I wish that I could be as hard as you.

OK, I snorted and sniggered at that one!

I got one from one of the MSG DETs at some embassy in Africa (might have been Nigeria) it is HUGE!!! Like frigging cowboy belt buckle size! I'll post a pic this pm since we're comparing size!

Posted: 6/6/2012 8:43:24 AM EDT

[#35]

Here is one of mine that is not too common.

Posted: 6/6/2012 9:01:14 AM EDT

[#36]

VERY cool!

Posted: 6/6/2012 1:14:44 PM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
Here is one of mine that is not too common.

http://i.imgur.com/k5Njr.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/a3ZAT.jpg

badass!

Posted: 6/6/2012 1:21:36 PM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:

Quoted:
My second week at my unit was my first week out in the field. I was trying to do everything right but didn't know enough to do it right and felt like I was screwing everything up. The third or fourth day someone coined my squad leader and he didn't give two shits about it so he gave it to me and told me to keep up the good work. That coin meant a hell of a lot. Our brigade coin that commemorates the capture of Saddam doesn't even come close to how much that first coin meant.

My sister has a coin from some specialist who had his own coins made. That thing is about 5-6" round, can't remember what the design was but it was pretty awesome. It was way bigger than Gen. Ordinero's coin pictured previously.

Now THAT is some funny shit.

That is pretty hilarious, couldn't have been cheap either.

Posted: 6/6/2012 3:06:16 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
Here is one of mine that is not too common.

http://i.imgur.com/k5Njr.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/a3ZAT.jpg

That is a pretty sweet coin, probably not too many of them floating around.

Posted: 6/6/2012 3:21:34 PM EDT

[#40]

As luck would have it, I just found this today while looking for something else.

They were all made from a spent 20mm casing. It is old school.

Posted: 6/13/2012 7:49:13 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:
I got this from General Odierno in Iraq in 2009. I have a bunch of cool challenge coins, but this is probably the rarest one.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/spamcanphotobucket/IMG_1195.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p177/spamcanphotobucket/IMG_1196.jpg

Same here. I got mine from him while at Kirkuk in 09. He told me he loves FISTers and gave me one.

Nathan

Posted: 6/15/2012 7:09:02 AM EDT

[#42]

I have a box of them at my house. Somewhere along the line I started getting them from everywhere i went. Didnt ask, just ended up with them. Always ment to get around to doing something with them, but never have. I never really had an interest in them, so I just threw them in a box. someday I suppose I will care, but right now Ijust dont.

I gues they are like pictures. I hate taking pictures and never did growing up or over the years. Now looking back, I wish i did. Guess the coins are the same thing. 1 day I might want them so I save them.

Hoarder I guess.

Posted: 6/17/2012 12:55:58 AM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

"I'm an older vet and I feel the need to lord my experiences over everyone, and belittle the efforts of the men who took our place."

Your attitude is everything that's wrong with senior military members. Challenge coins are incredibly lame to show off, yes (Take the hint OP), but having a collection at your house? Why not? I have a challenge coin the local police department made in memory of my father. Does that make me a bad person for displaying the coin in my home?

And just to add. Its not something that was given as a hey i blew stuff up. Units give them out as awards for "good work" or for being in the unit. Some are handed out because you showed up to something. Similar to a pat on the back. I have a few coins from my enlistment that sit in a box that had the flag I flew in Iraq that is now hanging on my wall. Know plenty of vets from current wars that would love to forget what they endured.

Posted: 6/17/2012 5:30:48 AM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

you do realize that the challenge coin tradition dates back beyond the 20th century right?

Posted: 6/17/2012 5:35:28 AM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:

Quoted:
My second week at my unit was my first week out in the field. I was trying to do everything right but didn't know enough to do it right and felt like I was screwing everything up. The third or fourth day someone coined my squad leader and he didn't give two shits about it so he gave it to me and told me to keep up the good work. That coin meant a hell of a lot. Our brigade coin that commemorates the capture of Saddam doesn't even come close to how much that first coin meant.

My sister has a coin from some specialist who had his own coins made. That thing is about 5-6" round, can't remember what the design was but it was pretty awesome. It was way bigger than Gen. Ordinero's coin pictured previously.

Now THAT is some funny shit.

it'd be great if he went around spot checking Sgt Majors and handing them specialist coins.

Posted: 6/17/2012 9:08:39 AM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

you do realize that the challenge coin tradition dates back beyond the 20th century right?

The "tradition" may date back that far, but if it did, it was rare as hen's teeth. I guess you could think of the "ruptured duck" pin that WWII vets got when mustered out a "challenge" token, but I can't say I ever saw anyone wear it. Like I said, most older vets just did what they did and went home to get on with their life. Shiney doo dads aren't needed unless you need something that says "I was there". Some egos need that stroke, most don't.

Posted: 6/17/2012 9:12:19 AM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

you do realize that the challenge coin tradition dates back beyond the 20th century right?

The "tradition" may date back that far, but if it did, it was rare as hen's teeth. I guess you could think of the "ruptured duck" pin that WWII vets got when mustered out a "challenge" token, but I can't say I ever saw anyone wear it. Like I said, most older vets just did what they did and went home to get on with their life. Shiney doo dads aren't needed unless you need something that says "I was there". Some egos need that stroke, most don't.

It didn't become mainstream until well into the '90s.

Posted: 6/17/2012 5:07:45 PM EDT

[#48]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

you do realize that the challenge coin tradition dates back beyond the 20th century right?

The "tradition" may date back that far, but if it did, it was rare as hen's teeth. I guess you could think of the "ruptured duck" pin that WWII vets got when mustered out a "challenge" token, but I can't say I ever saw anyone wear it. Like I said, most older vets just did what they did and went home to get on with their life. Shiney doo dads aren't needed unless you need something that says "I was there". Some egos need that stroke, most don't.

Get over yourself.

Coins are a way to show thanks to people who help you out, or to show that they somehow stood out. They aren't a deployment thing either, they are given out regularly in garrison too.

Posted: 6/17/2012 9:51:48 PM EDT

[#49]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Never had such a thing in my day. We just did the job and then went home when our hitch was up. I guess kids today need bright and shiney things to help them remember things we have tried to forget.

you do realize that the challenge coin tradition dates back beyond the 20th century right?

The "tradition" may date back that far, but if it did, it was rare as hen's teeth. I guess you could think of the "ruptured duck" pin that WWII vets got when mustered out a "challenge" token, but I can't say I ever saw anyone wear it. Like I said, most older vets just did what they did and went home to get on with their life. Shiney doo dads aren't needed unless you need something that says "I was there". Some egos need that stroke, most don't.

yeah buddy, you're too cool for shiney things, now who's stroking themselves? go tell yourself you did something somewhere else you joke.

Posted: 6/19/2012 8:39:06 PM EDT

[#50]

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Military Challenge coins.....let's see what ya got (Page 1 of 3)

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