Coin Check! -- for Vets

[two-bit cowboy]

So, all you military folks: Do you carry a challenge Coin?

I know we're all "shut in" right now, but when we aren't do you "challenge" your Vet friends with a coin check.

I've been retired for 20 years, and I still carry my Chief's coin in my Carhardt jeans watch pocket.

Several months ago I asked a retired AF friend if he carried a coin. The Marine Gunny with my friend slapped his Gunny coin on the bar for before my friend answered. My friend said, "Yes, most days, but not today." I pulled out my Chief's coin, and my pal bought a round.

Since then we've "caught" several other non-carrying friends who've said, "You won't catch me again." It's become a nice way to have a bit of fun and share our military "tradition" with some of our non-Vet friends.

We'll be back at it soon, we all hope.

 

[MSgt G]

Never carry one.

 

[Sistema1927]

And don't forget "The Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles".

(I would post more, but don't really want to be suspended. )

 

[badge 851]

I carry two Military challenge coins...
• US Army CW3
• Vietnam Veteran

 

[Golddollar]

I'm not a veteran, so I didn't understand what a challenge coin was. Thank you for explaining it.

 

[straightshooter1]

I've don't understand the purpose of a challenge coin. I've been given some, over the years, but..........why do they exist? Why carry one?

Bob

 

[doublesharp]

all you ever wanted to know about challenge coins.

Challenge coin - Wikipedia

FTA:

Back at his squadron, it became tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times.[3] This was accomplished through challenge in the following manner: a challenger would ask to see the medallion, if the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued throughout the war and for many years after the war while surviving members of the squadron were still alive

 

[STCM(SW)]

Never had one and never will.....
I don't go to places where someone could challenge me!

 

[vonn]

Never saw one or seen one used. Don’t think they were used in the units I served in.

 

[Turn4811]

I carried a JCSE coin for a number of years and then a 224 JCSS coin for a few more years. From 96 to 04 I carried a 283rd CBCS coin. Any time I go to a military function I will carry the unit's coin and the coin Admiral Mullen gave me in April 09 when he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

I had been retired 5 years and was a Army contractor for satellite comms based out of Salerno Afghanistan Any problems I couldn't fix over email or radio I got to go out to the OP's to fix the Satcom. I got weathered in and was stuck at COP Deysie with an Army Airborne Cavalry unit. Two hours to fix base comm, the next day I fixed AFN, and then all kinds of other electronics among other things.

 

[raljr1]

I was not in the military, but my son is active Florida National Guard (currently deployed managing Corona Virus testing in Florida.) He has numerous coins, but I'll need to ask him if he carries one at all times.

Interesting side note, Mrs. Raljr1 did most of the work setting up her 40th reunion, and one of her class mates, a USCG Commander, was so happy that she had done so, that he gave her one of his challenge coins. Should have seen son's face when he saw it. He said, "Mom, how did you get one of those??" Maybe I should have her carry hers and challenge him some night while we are out together.

 

[carpriver]

when I was in there was not a challenge coin. The answer to the question in no I do not carry a coin. I know that now when you go to a new assignment the 1st shirt gives you one.

I have no reason to prove myself a veteran. I have my retired ID card and my VA ID card.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Never was in the service, but I'm a veteran NY'er, and here's an appropriate coin from the CO of the USS New York. The ship was made with steel from the World Trade Center.

 

[straightshooter1]

Ok, read the Wiki reference, but never, ever saw one, heard of one or had one when I was in the Army or in the Naval
reserve.

 

[Kuglespritz]

Never saw one or seen one used. Don’t think they were used in the units I served in.

Unknown when you served Vonn, but I acquired my first coins in the 1980's while serving in the 82nd Airborne.

 

[chiefbob81]

I carry mine. I'm like a seagull, I like shiney things: guns, bullets, challenge coins, lighters, belt buckles, cars.....

 

[H Richard]

It's not just the military. The S&WCA has a few challenge coins out, my State Rifle Assoc has issued challenge coins. I'm sure other organizations have issued them.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I'm not too complicated or serious; I always considered carrying a coin to be a show of camaraderie and fellowship among my sisters and brothers.

 

[Jeff423]

Never saw one or seen one used. Don’t think they were used in the units I served in.

This is the first time I've ever heard of them.

 

[DR505]

We never used them in the Navy in the Squadrons, Air Wings, or Air Stations to which I was assigned. First heard about them when I was in theater during Bosnia working joint ops. An Air Force guy challenged me with his coin. Told him it was cute, but real men roll dice to buy drinks. My XO once had a bar bill of $2700 because he had a come-out roll of five aces! That required him to buy a round for the entire house. At least he was memorialized on a plaque at the bar.