http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/ Masonic Thinking and Working Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:33:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=wordpress-mu-1.2.1 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5563 Joshua Armstrong Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:43:28 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5563 I misspelled civilian :-P I misspelled civilian

]]> http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5562 Joshua Armstrong Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:42:48 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5562 I LOVE this idea! I (being a civilian on a military base) was never entitled to the privilege of a unit challenge coin, although my boss did give me a career specialty challenge coin for a graduation gift. I've always though of those coins as a very neat idea and I can see several neat ways these could be used to encourage visitation of other Lodges and increase feelings of brotherly love among us outside of Lodge. I LOVE this idea! I (being a civilian on a military base) was never entitled to the privilege of a unit challenge coin, although my boss did give me a career specialty challenge coin for a graduation gift. I’ve always though of those coins as a very neat idea and I can see several neat ways these could be used to encourage visitation of other Lodges and increase feelings of brotherly love among us outside of Lodge.

]]> http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5224 emeraldi42 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:12:51 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5224 A challenge coin is usually a thick coin designed for a particular squadron, batallion, etc. They usually have detailed designs, ensignias, and arms distinguishing them from other challenge coins. From the stories told to me by servicemen and women there are many games, traditions or other "challenges" that surround their coin. One of the more popular ones is that if you go to the local NCO club and show another NCO your coin and they don't have theirs then they will have to buy you or another predetermined ammount of drinks for the patrons or do some sort of calisthenics or embarrassing task. They are also given by senior officers for recognition. A challenge coin is usually a thick coin designed for a particular squadron, batallion, etc. They usually have detailed designs, ensignias, and arms distinguishing them from other challenge coins. From the stories told to me by servicemen and women there are many games, traditions or other “challenges” that surround their coin. One of the more popular ones is that if you go to the local NCO club and show another NCO your coin and they don’t have theirs then they will have to buy you or another predetermined ammount of drinks for the patrons or do some sort of calisthenics or embarrassing task. They are also given by senior officers for recognition.

]]> http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5195 Jim Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:04:14 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5195 Interesting, but my ignorance is showing through. Can someone please explain what a challenge coin is? Interesting, but my ignorance is showing through. Can someone please explain what a challenge coin is?

]]> http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5193 WyndellF Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:33:55 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5193 I helped design the coin that was given out by the US Military for the Defense Message System project. There are several good companies to work with to get one made! I helped design the coin that was given out by the US Military for the Defense Message System project. There are several good companies to work with to get one made!

]]> http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5192 WyndellF Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:32:51 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/11/27/the-masonic-challenge-coin/#comment-5192 Brother, I love the tradition of the Challenge Coin. I have a rather large collection from my military days. Some I traded for, others were given to me as you say for a job well done. When I retired in 2000 there seemed to be a resurgence in coins. Ive started collecting coins from Masonry now but they arent as readily available. The GL of TX does have some available including one that has the GL seal on one side and on the back a place to have your name, date initiated, passed and raised on it. When I was a poor and penniless initiate I was given the coin of the previous GM and I still carry it or the one with my dates on it every day! Brother, I love the tradition of the Challenge Coin. I have a rather large collection from my military days. Some I traded for, others were given to me as you say for a job well done. When I retired in 2000 there seemed to be a resurgence in coins. Ive started collecting coins from Masonry now but they arent as readily available. The GL of TX does have some available including one that has the GL seal on one side and on the back a place to have your name, date initiated, passed and raised on it. When I was a poor and penniless initiate I was given the coin of the previous GM and I still carry it or the one with my dates on it every day!

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