Warrior to Citizen Challenge Coin Program
Honoring the Service
Challenging veterans to greatness. They know how to serve.
The Warrior to Citizen Campaign coin is a symbol of gratitude for service to our state and nation. It also recognizes that a veteran’s continued service—in the community—is both important and valued. Challenge coins are carried as a symbol of pride, teamwork and unity amongst the bravest of our society.
What the coin means:
The eagle represents each branch of the military as well as a “watchful eye” over veterans. The delta shape, or triangle, symbolizes change as a veterans moves between service to the three equally important building blocks of our society: nation, state & community.
Current businesses Honoring the Service… Cedar Lake Speedway offers free admission 31 May 2008 read more…Businesses_Honoringservice.pdf
Who can receive the coin?
The coin is about Honoring the Service in all Services. Everyone who served in the United States Armed Forces is eligible for the coin. Military ID is required to receive the coin at hosted events such as Military Appreciation Days and Veteran Service Fairs.
Contact dmk37@hotmail.com to request the coin at your event.
Accompanying laminated business card:
A laminated pocket card with phone numbers for veterans services—and a thank you message—comes with the coin.
How you can be part of Honoring the Service
Would you like to donate for the minting and distribution of coins?
Read how here: coin sponsor info.pdf
Donate online here. The Vessey Chapter is a 501C 3 non profit #53-0193361
Would your business like to honor
veterans who carry the Warrior to Citizen coin with incentives, discounts, or some other special recognition?
Contact dmk37@hotmail.com or mail the attached W2C_coin_brochure.pdf form below to:
Dawn Kelly
Attn: Warrior to Citizen Campaign
1130 Montreal Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55116
What is a Challenge Coin?
There are many stories about the origin of the challenge coin, but the most widely accepted one comes from the early history of the United States Army Air Service.
In World War I, the Air Service included volunteers from all walks of life. To commemorate their team work, one of the wealthier lieutenants created bronze medallions for each of the pilots in his squadron. The pilots treasured this gift and kept their medallions—or coins—closely guarded.
As the squadron made its way across Europe, one of its pilots was forced to land in enemy territory. He was captured and his belongings were confiscated. However, the pilot’s captors missed an important detail: he still had the leather pouch he wore around his neck, which contained his medallion.
As the soldier was being transported to a POW camp, the convoy made an overnight stop. The village where they were staying was raided by allied soldiers and the pilot managed to escape. However, he realized the danger was not over. Without his military uniform or official information, how could he prove to the Allies that he was a member of the United States Army?
As he stood facing guaranteed execution, the pilot pulled the medallion from his leather pouch. The foreign soldiers recognized the coin’s insignia, and ordered a stay of execution until they could confirm his identity.
After he returned home, news spread of the pilot’s salvation, and what began as a simple token recognizing team work among soldiers quickly became a proud tradition among all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Challenge coins are carried as a symbol of pride, teamwork and unity amongst the bravest of our society.
-Courtesy of Wendell’s Inc.
Powerpoint Presentation Click here: w2c_powerpoint.ppt
Next event: ST. CLOUD MARCH 13
A planning group of community members in the social services, state legislature, VA Medical Center, faith, and family and children sectors have worked on the community event for Warrior to Citizen. See attached flyer:
WtCStC 3-13-08 flyer.pdf
A Partnership Project with The Humphrey Institute Center for Democracy & Citizenship
& Vessey Chapter of AUSA
