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The OFFICIAL ARMY SECURITY
CHALLENGE
COIN
What is a CHALLENGE COIN?
and HOW DOES THE "CHALLENGE WORK?"
Below are a few different variations on the same
theme. Use them, or make up your own ...
but ... you better make sure everyone is in agreement on the "rules"
before you make your first challenge!
A Brief History of Challenge Coins
Challenge coins were originally used by Special Forces to recognize
soldiers for outstanding acts, to boost morale, and to build camaraderie.
Today, challenge coins are in use by several hundred military and law enforcement
units.
Traditionally, "coining" was executed to see if fellow soldiers were
carrying their unit's coin. In the Viet Nam era this tradition was modified
slightly so that the loser of the challenge was obligated to buy a round
of drinks. (Imagine that!)
ORDERING INFO:
Single Coins $10 postage paid
Cash, Good Check, or Money Order
Pay Pal Account Name Is: heyvern@asalives.com
or use your Credit Card! (through Pay Pal)
Get 2 ... one to carry and one for your display case) 2 for
$20 postage paid
10 or more coins (for reunions) discounted more (ask me)
Vern Greunke - ASALIVES!
209 West Oak #124
Cedar Bluffs, NEBRASKA 68015-0124
CLICK
HERE TO PRINT ORDER FORM
1. A coin challenge is initiated by either drawing
your coin and holding it in the air,
or slamming it on a table and yelling "Coin Check!"
2. The individual or individuals who are challenged must respond by
drawing their own coin
and showing it to the challenger.
3. If any member is challenged and is unable to brandish a coin, that
person must
buy a round of drinks for everyone being challenged, including the challenger.
4. Coin checks are permitted anywhere and anytime.
The Challenge Coin is a coin that is carried by individuals that have
pride in a unit. When an individual displays his coin he is challenging
anyone to show their coin. If others don't have theirs then they must buy
that person a drink. If another displays their coin then that challenger
must buy the drink. A coin can be displayed intentionally or accidentally
like dropping it (coin abuse) A coin may be carried in any place. For example
a pocket,bag,wallet, etc. When a coin is displayed then the challengee is
allowed to move one step to get to their coin.
Initially, challenge coins were created for elite
military units. (and who were more Elite than the ASA!?)
The challenge coin is carried by all operators who are part of that
elite unit or graduates of a course of significant importance.
It should always be carried on your person, particularly to "drinking
holes". To not have your coin on you when challenge by another graduate
would mean buying a round for the boys.
If you are a proud ASA Veteran, then don't be caught without your ASA
Challenge Coin.
It is a small price to pay for a lot of fun.
Not having one could prove more expensive!!
"I always carry my coin. It reminds me of my commitment and
connection to something bigger than my day-to-day life"
A History of
the Challenge Coin
During World War 1, American volunteers from all
parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons.
Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard
who quit in mid-term to join the war.
In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid
bronze and presented them to his unit.
One young pilot placed the medallion in a small leather pouch that he
wore about his neck.
Shortly after acquiring the medallions, the pilots? aircraft was severely
damaged by ground fire.
He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured
by a German patrol.
In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal
identification
except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime,
he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a
bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he was without personal identification.
He succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire and
reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land.
Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, saboteurs
had plagued the French in the sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians
and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent,
the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. He
had no identification to prove his allegiance, but he did have his leather
pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be
executioners and one of his French captors recognized the squadron insignia
on the medallion. They delayed his execution long enough for him to confirm
his identity. Instead of shooting him they gave him a bottle of wine.
Back at his squadron, it became tradition to ensure that all members
carried their medallion or coin at all times. 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 on throughout the war and for many years
after the war while surviving members of the squadron were still alive.
All personnel present must present their coin whenever a coin check
is initiated.
Individual(s) not in possession of their coin during a coin check will
be required to
purchase a beverage for each individual who produced a coin. If all
personnel produce a coin,
the individual initiating the check will buy.
Coin checks are permitted, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE.
EXCEPTIONS
There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply
to those clothed or unclothed. At the time of the challenge you are permitted
one step and an arms reach to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach
it -- SORRY 'BOUT THAT G.I.!
A COIN IS A COIN
Coins attached on belt buckles are considered
"belt buckles".
Coins on key chains are considered "key chains."
Coins placed in a "holder/clasp" and worn around the neck like a necklace
are valid and are considered a coin.
Never, ever be caught without your
Army Security Agency Challenge Coin!
--- And this my friends is a chance for all
Army Security Agency Veterans
to have their own ELITE UNIT coin!
Carry it with you always and always show it with pride,
the pride we all feel for our own special unit. --
ASA LIVES!
Your Support Is Always Greatly Appreciated!!!!
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