![]() ![]() “Did they demonstrate any of our core values in an exceptional way? Did they serve in a selfless way? Was it something above the norm?” William Parker, 628th Force Support Squadron commander. “When I think about coining someone, I look for those who go above and beyond normal expectations,” said Lt. It is more than just a thank you or a pat on the back – it is something tangible to remember the moment by. Honoring someone with a commander’s coin is a way for senior leadership to show their appreciation for a phenomenal job on the spot. Therefore, my gunship coin is easily my favorite.” “We were doing a mission from Lakenheath, England, down to Burmese, Italy, and they had gunships there to see the capabilities of this machine was amazing. “One coin in my collection is my absolute favorite,” said Carr. Every coin has a special meaning to him, whether it is to remember a specific mission or to honor a personal milestone. It was a great recognition tool.”Ĭarr has a collection of coins ranging in all different sizes, shapes and colors. I think it was way better than a pat on the back. Our flight chief came out and said that the commander wanted me to have this coin. “I was working as a C-130 crew chief and we had just got done prepping the aircraft for a mission. ![]() Adam Carr, 628th Comptroller Squadron wing staff agencies superintendent. “I received my first coin back in 1995,” said Senior Master Sgt. Today, the tradition carries on as a way for commanders to recognize service members, boost unit morale and give a sense of belonging. ![]() It then became mandatory for all members of that unit to keep their medallions or coins on them at all times. They recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion and confirmed his identity. Just in time, he remembered his leather pouch containing the medallion around his neck and showed it to his French captors. The French didn’t recognize his American accent, thought he was a saboteur and were ready to execute him. Shortly after he was captured by a German patrol, he managed to escape captivity to a French outpost. The lieutenant carried his medallion in a small leather pouch around his neck. One theory, according to an August 1994 issue of Soldiers Magazine, is that a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions with his squadron emblem on it for every member of his squadron during World War I. The first time I ever saw one was when a general gave one to the colonel who commanded my unit in the mid-1980s.” Army tradition dating back to the Vietnam War. “Only the commander of a unit had them to dispense. “I only became aware of them in the late 1980s and I had been in the Air Force since 1974,” said Barry Spink, Air Force Historical Research Agency archivist. However, there are many theories regarding the origin and purpose of this long-held military tradition. Yet, few know how commander’s coins – once known as challenge coins – came from. Many military members can remember a time when they got coined, whether it was the first coin they ever received or a coin they were awarded from a special moment. ![]()
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