Comments by "Colonel K" (@Paladin1873) on "Challenge Coins: A Military Tradition" video.

  1. In the 1980s I stopped at a service station in Houston, TX where the attendant proudly displayed a coin, letter, and photo of then Vice-President George Bush. The letter thanked him for repairing his limo during a visit to that city. I suspect they have protocols for everything. It certainly is good PR.
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  2. I have a few challenge coins from my service career, but I never got into collecting them. Some folks were very serious about the hobby (for that is what it has become) and probably took it as a mild offense when they learned you had none to offer. I remember as a Boy Scout we collected patches with the same fervor. Regarding your first salute, the tradition is to give the first enlisted member a silver dollar, at least it was when I received my commission. I graduated out of cycle with my class, so I was the only person in my commissioning ceremony. We had four NCOs in my ROTC unit, all lined up and waiting to salute me. I didn't want to disappoint any of them, so I broke with tradition and gave each one a silver dollar when he saluted me. As far as paying for drinks goes, in flight training we didn't use coins or bullets. We played a game called "Dead Bug." If someone yelled it, everyone had to immediately drop to the floor on their backs with their arms and legs in the air. The last person to do so was supposed to buy rounds at the O-Club. Your story about challenge coins brought all those memories flooding back after more than 40 years. Thanks.
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