| Challenge coins are available for all branches of the | | | | The coins are typically cast with the insignia of the |
| military, police forces all over the country, and many | | | | rank of the soldier it is being presented to and the |
| other organizations. The commemorative aspect of | | | | branch and squadron as well. There may be a motto |
| giving the coin exists for many reasons - for services | | | | added as there is usually always something that is |
| provided or for membership for a period of time. The | | | | unique to the group of which the soldier belongs. This |
| coins can be for many years of loyal service to a | | | | is the key to the Air Force challenge coin. The sense |
| company. However, the main meaning behind the | | | | of belonging is what makes the coin so special. |
| coins originates with the US Air Force. | | | | The coins are available for practically every rank in |
| The Air Force challenge coin was said to have made | | | | the Air Force including the following: |
| an appearance during World War I. However, it is the | | | | 1st Lieutenant |
| subject of much controversy as to how it exactly | | | | 2nd Lieutenant |
| came into existence. Many believe the original coin | | | | Airman First Class |
| was contracted by a rich lieutenant who had them | | | | Captain |
| made for all the members of his squadron. The story | | | | Chief Master Sergeant |
| says they were struck from solid bronze. One thing is | | | | Lieutenant Colonel |
| certain; the challenge coins represent a high honor for | | | | Major |
| the recipient. | | | | The coins have the US Air Force insignia on the front |
| The Air Force challenge coins are made from many | | | | and the rank of the soldier on the back. They can be |
| different materials. Bronze, gold plated, and silver are | | | | made with a raised insignia and also a 3-D insignia. |
| just a few of the different types. One of the rarest | | | | Some are customized with the addition of an airplane |
| in existence today is the "Bull Dog" challenge coin. It | | | | or a jet. The more elaborate military coins are |
| was a coin made exclusively for the tail gunners of | | | | normally special orders by a member of the squadron |
| B-52s. This is no longer an existing position so this | | | | or the leader for special achievements. The ones that |
| particular challenge coin is becoming quite rare. | | | | are given to every soldier upon graduation are a |
| The challenge coins of today are given to an Airman | | | | typical type with no special features. |
| upon his graduation from basic training. The coins are | | | | Maybe no one knows for certain where the first Air |
| given to widows of servicemen who have made the | | | | Force challenge coins came from but if you are in the |
| ultimate sacrifice for their country. This is a way of | | | | Air Force you know the meaning. The sense of |
| showing how much the sacrifice has touched the | | | | belonging to something that is quite powerful and |
| lives of many and will continue to do so. The | | | | world-wide is one that is full of pride in the |
| brotherhood felt among Air Force members is a | | | | commitment that has been made to serve and |
| special feeling which is even more so because of the | | | | protect. |
| nature of their service together. | | | | |