Just out of idle curriosity.
Who has a CAP Coin ??
National, Wing, Group or Squadron...
Funny you should ask. I just got Maj Gen Wheless' coin today. He promised to send one to me and Shawna while we were at CLA.
My squadron has a challenge coin, too. Some SMs in my squadron are also helping to design the 3 different challenge coins for the LAWG ES Academy. I also know that the Southwest Liaison Region has a coin. Several members of my squadron were presented one several years back.
Quote from: dcpacemaker on April 29, 2005, 02:07:18 AM
Funny you should ask. I just got Maj Gen Wheless' coin today. He promised to send one to me and Shawna while we were at CLA.
My squadron has a challenge coin, too. Some SMs in my squadron are also helping to design the 3 different challenge coins for the LAWG ES Academy. I also know that the Southwest Liaison Region has a coin. Several members of my squadron were presented one several years back.
What does Maj Gen Wheless' coin look like??
I saw today that there is now a Spatz Association coin as well.
I've got an Air Force Pararescue coin (from PJOC) and a National Cadet Competition coin (that I actually earned, I didn't get a free ride to the NCC by being staff ::) ). Myself and some others are currently designing some coins for NJWG.
Quote from: abysmal on April 29, 2005, 02:11:19 AM
What does Maj Gen Wheless' coin look like??
It's a triangular shaped coin.
I have a really bad pic of the front (print is too small for even my camera) that I'll try to post. The back is a 3 bladed propeller in the middle with CAP's 3 missions printed along the sides. It looks very much like a large, colored version of the bronze clasp we put on ribbons.
EDIT: Here's a link to the pic. The quality really is horrible, but it'll give you an idea of what the coin looks like.
http://img258.echo.cx/img258/6210/whelesscoinfront6qu.jpg
your right, the picture IS horrible, But..
that is one strange looking coin to be sure!
These are the coins I found this afternoon while hunting.
http://www.spaatz.org/mbr/coin.html
http://www.nwtmint.com/GiftShop/CAP/cap.htm
http://www.wiwg.cap.gov/coin.htm
http://www.mcchord.org/
Quote from: abysmal on April 29, 2005, 01:51:44 AM
Just out of idle curiosity.
Who has a CAP Coin ??
National, Wing, Group or Squadron...
I do I do ;D It was given to me by our son and he got it from Col. Bowden (UK that is) It is something I shall treasure my whole life...
NYWG encampment has a coin. I got this one in 2002.
(http://dwsystems.com/images/nywgcoin.jpg)
Quote from: justin_bailey on May 02, 2005, 12:35:52 PM
NYWG encampment has a coin. I got this one in 2002.
(http://dwsystems.com/images/nywgcoin.jpg)
Thats a nice looking coin!
I have 4 coins, the Ground Ops Challenge Coin, my two NGSAR class year coins, and my NESA staff coin.
Quote from: Horn229 on May 03, 2005, 04:07:11 AM
I have 4 coins, the Ground Ops Challenge Coin, my two NGSAR class year coins, and my NESA staff coin.
Photos??
Quote from: abysmal on May 02, 2005, 11:23:22 PMThats a nice looking coin!
Yeah, they did a good job with the coins. Bronze (like mine) were handed out recognizing a specific duty/feat/accomplishment/action, silver coins were given at the end of the encampment for honor cadet, honor staff member, etc.
They also have a numbered series of gold coins for encampment commanders, which are really nice.
Quote from: abysmal on May 03, 2005, 03:11:30 PM
Quote from: Horn229 on May 03, 2005, 04:07:11 AM
I have 4 coins, the Ground Ops Challenge Coin, my two NGSAR class year coins, and my NESA staff coin.
Photos??
Here is my Staff coin
(http://cadetlife.cadetstuff.org/data/media/5/nesastaff.jpg)
The class year coins are the same, 'cept with "00" and "01" in them. And this is the Ground Operations Challenge Coin
(http://cadetlife.cadetstuff.org/data/media/5/final_gtm_coin.jpg)
Thanks
I was just talking to one of the coin manufacturers.
Much to my surprise they only require an order of 40 coins to run custom.
Setup runs in the $500.00 range for the dies.
That seems a little expensive. I was quoted around $675 for 251 coins (2 sides with unlimited colors plus die cost and artwork fee). You may want to shop around and see about getting a better deal. Here's some of the more reasonable places I've found:
http://www.thecoinmaker.com
http://www.wemakecoins.com/militarychallengecoins.html
http://www.uscoinforce.com
MANY THANKS!
I have a CAP Commander's coin that was given to me by MajGen Bowling (when he was a BrigGen)
It's pretty sweet, I'll send a pic soon.
Quote from: Horn229 on May 03, 2005, 10:02:39 PM
Quote from: abysmal on May 03, 2005, 03:11:30 PM
Quote from: Horn229 on May 03, 2005, 04:07:11 AM
I have 4 coins, the Ground Ops Challenge Coin, my two NGSAR class year coins, and my NESA staff coin.
Photos??
Here is my Staff coin
(http://cadetlife.cadetstuff.org/data/media/5/nesastaff.jpg)
(http://cadetlife.cadetstuff.org/data/media/5/final_gtm_coin.jpg)
Hmm.... (http://www.msnusers.com/_Secure/0SQCKAiwWEje98KNsXxHywHifsIkq6p5pG63UCr7bpKhr8TqOcc8QIjfEW33E5kjg7*XGtZjJQ8i8CPysVojLQdxMmV6SVayO4C!0valw22!qzsV6VOxTKA/nesa%20coin.jpg?dc=4675520970337778254)
I don't have Bowden's coin anymore, my dad has it. Its the same coin as Mr Horn showed except in the open space 'Korona' its there. Kinda awesome
I went ahead and bought 7 of the 60th anniversary coins to pass out to my Cadet Officers.
Will wait till the time is right and use it as a motivational tool.
I want to lure some of them into committing to going for their Spatz.
*cough* Spaatz *cough*
Quote from: Greg on May 05, 2005, 01:13:19 AM
Quote from: abysmal on May 04, 2005, 11:45:08 PM
Spatz.
The things my dad puts in his shoes? ;D
Spat
s don't go in shoes, they go around/over them.
http://www.tuxedosonline.com/spats.26.0.0.1.htm
Quote from: dcpacemaker on May 04, 2005, 11:58:25 PM
*cough* Spaatz *cough*
Hey, I NEVER said I could
SPELL
Quote from: Greg on May 05, 2005, 01:13:19 AM
The things my dad puts in his shoes? ;D
Groan!!
You guys are Brutal tonight!
I would like to have a Wheless. He is one cool dude. How do you get one?
Quote from: Skyray on May 11, 2005, 04:08:47 PM
I would like to have a Wheless. He is one cool dude. How do you get one?
Certainly you can't buy or trade for it.
In his own words, he's only going to give them out to individuals that excel in their service to this Nation and to those who his office owes a great deal of gratitude. Besides that, I don't know what to tell you besides good luck.
Quote from: dcpacemaker on May 11, 2005, 04:54:33 PM
Quote from: Skyray on May 11, 2005, 04:08:47 PM
I would like to have a Wheless. He is one cool dude. How do you get one?
Certainly you can't buy or trade for it.
In his own words, he's only going to give them out to individuals that excel in their service to this Nation and to those who his office owes a great deal of gratitude. Besides that, I don't know what to tell you besides good luck.
If you have birdies on your uniform or are his personal cadet
slave aide you might get one.
I've never got a challenge coin from anybody... So I guess I'm buying if I ever get challenged.
Here is your challenge.
Make it out to Lake Havasu City, and I will reward you with a Challenge Coin !!
My squadron's policy on its coin is that if you're a squadron member and ground team certified, you can buy a coin. For non-squadron members, the only way to get a coin is to receive ground team training at one of our ES training weekends held annually. Even then, the member still must buy the coin. The only people who have them but did not have to buy them are those at wing, region, and national that we decided to give one to. Off hand I can think of 5 people who have been presented one, and one of those is Maj Gen Wheless. We would like to be able to present all of our coins at no cost, especially to our squadron members, but the $600 that would be lost makes that impossible.
Funny how that MONEY issue keeps coming back to haunt us...
Quote from: abysmal on May 11, 2005, 05:18:31 PM
Here is your challenge.
Make it out to Lake Havasu City, and I will reward you with a Challenge Coin !!
But isn't it wicked hot in AZ this time of the year? Oh... And the snakes... Big ones.
Does that coin come with round trip airfare, airport limo service and room and board? :D
Buying a coin kind of defeats the purpose of the tradition behind it IMO... If you had to buy it instead of earn it or have it presented, then it has no real value.
Quote from: MIKE on May 11, 2005, 05:49:13 PMBuying a coin kind of defeats the purpose of the tradition behind it IMO... If you had to buy it instead of earn it or have it presented, then it has no real value.
That's the closest we can come to the tradition without going in debt. The coin still has to be earned...not just anyone (or even any squadron member) can buy them. It's still a source of pride considering the "history" (as short as that may be) behind some of the things printed on the coin. It's a symbol for those who are members of the Ruston Composite Squadron Ground Team (since apparently the LAWG and the Air Force evaluators think we're so good).
And BTW, I always thought that if you had never been presented a coin, you could not be challenged. In the military you've already got a coin by the time you've finished either the Academy, OTS, ROTC, or Basic. In CAP that's not the case, so how is it fair to continually coin those who have never been presented a coin?
Quote from: dcpacemaker
And BTW, I always thought that if you had never been presented a coin, you could not be challenged. In the military you've already got a coin by the time you've finished either the Academy, OTS, ROTC, or Basic. In CAP that's not the case, so how is it fair to continually coin those who have never been presented a coin?
I agree completely. If you've never received a coin, you can't be challenged. If you are, it doesn't count - you don't owe anybody drinks. I've never seen coin challenges practiced any other way. You'd have to be pretty hard-up to pay your bar tab if you're challenging people without coins and demanding they pay for a round. ::)
I myself have yet to be presented with a coin. My AF buddy gave me one from his unit right before they deployed to Afghanistan, and I got a couple others from sales for purely historical or collectors reasons (not to claim as one of my own coins). Sooner or later, I figure I'll get one proper.
Quote from: MIKE on May 11, 2005, 05:49:13 PM
Quote from: abysmal on May 11, 2005, 05:18:31 PM
Here is your challenge.
Make it out to Lake Havasu City, and I will reward you with a Challenge Coin !!
But isn't it wicked hot in AZ this time of the year? Oh... And the snakes... Big ones.
Does that coin come with round trip airfare, airport limo service and room and board? :D
Buying a coin kind of defeats the purpose of the tradition behind it IMO... If you had to buy it instead of earn it or have it presented, then it has no real value.
Well Lets see.
Today was a very mild 85 degrees.
Been hovering in the low 90s of late, not quite 100 yet.
But I am sure it will break 100 very soon now.
HOT doesn't start till July/August when it get above 115
Snakes are not all that common.
Scorpions are a bigger concern.
And, who said anything about buying a coin.
If you make it all the way out here I would be happy to present one to you in recognition of your efforts in getting here to collect it !!
Quote from: Pylon on May 11, 2005, 08:57:52 PM
Sooner or later, I figure I'll get one proper.
I wll extend the same offer to you.
If you can make it all the way out here, I would be happy to present one to you in recognition of your contributions to CAP.
Quote from: Skyray on May 11, 2005, 04:08:47 PM
I would like to have a Wheless. He is one cool dude. How do you get one?
I just now (1914hr. 05/16/05) emailed him haven't gotten any response yet of course but I'll let you know.
So your betting that if you ask, he will just send you one?
Quote from: usafafreak on May 17, 2005, 12:15:36 AM
Quote from: Skyray on May 11, 2005, 04:08:47 PM
I would like to have a Wheless. He is one cool dude. How do you get one?
I just now (1914hr. 05/16/05) emailed him haven't gotten any response yet of course but I'll let you know.
Have you ever even met or spoken with Maj Gen Wheless? If not, e-mailing him directly is probably not a good idea. I'll wait to see his response before I post anything else.
No I did not just ask for a coin I asked for instructions on how to earn or get one, I'm not that stupid. No I have not met him in person but I have heard a lot about him a very nice guy I hear.
I earned the COS coin, but that's it. One of the NYWG Encampment Challenge Coins would be nice to add to it, but they're not exactly handed out like candy.
Quote from: usafafreak on May 17, 2005, 12:53:39 PM
No I did not just ask for a coin I asked for instructions on how to earn or get one, I'm not that stupid. No I have not met him in person but I have heard a lot about him a very nice guy I hear.
I already posted what he sent to me in an e-mail after I met him (for the third or forth time...I can't remember which) in Washington, D.C.
Quote from: dcpacemaker
In his own words, he's only going to give them out to individuals that excel in their service to this Nation and to those who his office owes a great deal of gratitude.
That is almost word for word what he sent me as his criteria for presenting his coin.
Cadet Johnson, thanks for emailing. I had promised the Cadet a coin and fulfilled that promise, but advised him I considered the coins an extension of my office and would henceforth only be giving my coin to those who have gained by confidence and trust by their work in CAP. I have a limited edition and want them to count for something.
I appreciate your inquiring about the coin. Perhaps one day our paths will cross and upon my learning of your years in CAP and your achievements I would be honored to palm a coin, my hand to yours.
Best of luck in your activities. Make your time count.
Maj Gen Dwight Wheless, National Commander
There is the email the General sent me back.
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 02:47:34 AM
I appreciate your inquiring about the coin. Perhaps one day our paths will cross and upon my learning of your years in CAP and your achievements I would be honored to palm a coin, my hand to yours.
PERFECT!
Now all you have to do is BUST YOUR BUTT for a couple of years and make sure you cross the General's path and your home free.
That coin will be your's in no time at all.
Yep not a biggy haha. Like you siad work your butt off then get lucky enough to meet the General in person.
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 04:00:36 AM
Yep not a biggy haha. Like you siad work your butt off then get lucky enough to meet the General in person.
"IF" you really do work your butt off, then you will not be surprised when the opportunity for you to meet the General suddenly lands in your lap.
The thing is I plan to find a way to get one although I want to earn it just not get one then it'll mean something I'd love to have it and I'd be very proud to show it off to my fellow cadets as I'm sure the cadet that said he had gotten one has done. Any ideas on how to make the General Proud?
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 04:13:03 AM
The thing is I plan to find a way to get one although I want to earn it just not get one then it'll mean something I'd love to have it and I'd be very proud to show it off to my fellow cadets as I'm sure the cadet that said he had gotten one has done. Any ideas on how to make the General Proud?
If you had 2,000 Cadets in your squadron 0.05% or ONE SINGLE CADET would earn their SPAATZ Award.
If you want to STAND OUT in the crowd, set that as your first goal.
That alone will get his attention.
Then just heap on all the other things you are going to do between now and then along the way!
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 02:47:34 AM
Cadet Johnson, thanks for emailing. I had promised the Cadet a coin and fulfilled that promise, but advised him I considered the coins an extension of my office and would henceforth only be giving my coin to those who have gained by confidence and trust by their work in CAP. I have a limited edition and want them to count for something.
I appreciate your inquiring about the coin. Perhaps one day our paths will cross and upon my learning of your years in CAP and your achievements I would be honored to palm a coin, my hand to yours.
Best of luck in your activities. Make your time count.
Maj Gen Dwight Wheless, National Commander
There is the email the General sent me back.
I'm glad that you're so motivated to excel in CAP. You're goal, however, should be to excel and accept awards as they come. Your goal should not be the awards themselves (except for milestones since that's the whole point of the cadet program). I do have a problem with you sending an e-mail to Maj Gen Wheless for several reasons.
First, had you read one of my first posts, I explained his criteria so there was no real reason to ask a question that was already answered. Second, I e-mailed him because I had permission. You jumped the chain of command all the way up without adequate reason (Maj Gen Wheless is nice so he will not be as stern as many corporate officers would be). You stepped over your squadron commander (Lt Col Gore), wing commander (Colonel Chitwood), and region commander (Colonel Todd). This is not acceptable. Were any of the commanders in that chain to find out you directly e-mailed the National Commander, I think you would find that they will not be as tactful as I am being right now.
If that wasn't bad enough, you mentioned me in your e-mail. I have nothing to hide, but if you want to break policy (chain of command) then do it without bringing me into it, especially when it involves the National Commander.
You're only a cadet senior airman so you still have a lot to learn. There's a chain of command. Use it. As you grow in the program you will learn that there are few times when breaking the chain is acceptable...even then it will definitely not be over something as trivial as a challenge coin. I posted it on here because the topic was "Who has a CAP Challenge coin?" I wanted to share what the National Commander's coin looked like. I did not do it to show off, and I certainly did not do it to encourage others to e-mail the General to request one as I knew it was his express interest to only present it to those he personally deemed deserving.
I wish you well in CAP. Learn as much as you can, keep progressing in the program, attend as many activities as you can, and gain leadership experience whenever possible, but do it by the books. Another tip is that what happens on these on-line forums does not constitute permission to use the knowledge and opinions expressed here back in your squadron or higher echelons. Justifying your actions in CAP by stuff you read on here will generally be a bad idea, and bringing names of people on these forums into what you do will only make those individuals mad. Basically, you can't use what someone said on here to do whatever you want back in CAP. If you want to bring someone's name into a discussion or e-mail outside of this forum, you need to ask their permission first. Had I received an e-mail from Maj Gen Wheless saying "why is this cadet e-mailing me about the coin I gave to you" without realizing you had ever sent him an e-mail, mad is an understatement to just how angry I would have been. Even had you asked me, I would have asked you not to bring me into it because it's a clear violation of the chain of command. Please learn from this, and ask before you do something that involves people well above your grade.
Daniel Pace, C/Lt Col, CAP
Vice Chairperson
Southwest Region CAC
Sir,
I am very sorry as you said I am young and have a lot to learn. I did not think about there being much of a problem with it and simply jumped to my own idea on what to do to find out more about this coin and am very sorry that I asked the wrong person first without going to my direct superiors first. Although I would like to defend myself by saying I DID NOT mention your name even once I simply stated that there was a cadet on a forum that said he had recived one so you were never mentioned in that email.
Well I thank you and apologize once more for my actions,
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 11:36:28 AM
Sir,
I am very sorry as you said I am young and have a lot to learn. I did not think about there being much of a problem with it and simply jumped to my own idea on what to do to find out more about this coin and am very sorry that I asked the wrong person first without going to my direct superiors first. Although I would like to defend myself by saying I DID NOT mention your name even once I simply stated that there was a cadet on a forum that said he had recived one so you were never mentioned in that email.
Well I thank you and apologize once more for my actions,
Don't sweat it. No harm was done, and I hope you can see why it is always important to follow the chain of command, even for something like this. If everybody sent Maj Gen Wheless an e-mail, he'd be swamped for weeks if not months. Luckily, he's the kind of guy that will gladly respond to members usually without taking corrective or punitive action.
As for not mentioning names, you didn't have to. As of three weeks ago, I was one of only two cadets to receive his coin. Even then, I was the person in contact with him to get the coins for both of us. Any mention of a cadet receiving his coin and stating "he" was all the General needed to figure out who you were referring to since the other cadet is female. You had no way of knowing that, but that's exactly why following the chain and asking those involved before you take any action is important.
Great motivation! Just play by the rules, and everything will go smoother.
Ops! Sorry about that. Yeah I now have a new perspective on how important it is to keep the chain of command thanks to you and I thank you for that, it'll help in the long run that way I don't end up in the commandors rath haha. Thank you again Sir and I'll talk to you later.
Quote from: abysmal on May 18, 2005, 04:18:31 AM
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 04:13:03 AM
The thing is I plan to find a way to get one although I want to earn it just not get one then it'll mean something I'd love to have it and I'd be very proud to show it off to my fellow cadets as I'm sure the cadet that said he had gotten one has done. Any ideas on how to make the General Proud?
If you had 2,000 Cadets in your squadron 0.05% or ONE SINGLE CADET would earn their SPAATZ Award.
If you want to STAND OUT in the crowd, set that as your first goal.
That alone will get his attention.
Then just heap on all the other things you are going to do between now and then along the way!
Just something to consider Sir I have a squadron of about 60-70 and we have 4 Spaatz and I plan to get another, so yes that will help but yeah...
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 01:52:19 PM
Just something to consider cadet I have a squadron of about 60-70 and we have 4 Spaatz and I plan to get another, so yes that will help but yeah...
I have a quick question. Since you do not use much punctuation in your posts, I often have a hard time discerning your meaning so if I misread your post I apologize. Did you just call SM Parrett a cadet?
Also, C/Col Parker wouldn't happen to be from your squadron, would he? What about C/Lt Col Walters? Is he from your squadron as well?
Thanks,
Quote from: dcpacemaker on May 18, 2005, 02:44:41 PM
Did you just call SM Parrett a cadet?
he he he....
Thats Senior Member "Promotable" to you bucko !!
Off to SLS this weekend and then June 6th I finally get my rank back.
Teach me to let my membership lapse!!
Quote from: abysmal on May 18, 2005, 04:03:53 PM
he he he....
Thats Senior Member "Promotable" to you bucko !!
Hey, I can play that game, too. On June 24, 2005, I'll be Captain (select). I already have the quals for it except for age and CAP designator (Cadet vs. SM).
DISCLAIMER: I know there is no such thing as "select" grade in CAP except for the National Commander who must wait to hear approval from the CSAF to pin on Maj Gen stars. No flaming...or maybe that's just on CS.
Quote from: abysmal on May 18, 2005, 04:03:53 PM
Off to SLS this weekend and then June 6th I finally get my rank back.
Teach me to let my membership lapse!!
Congrats, Sir! I'm kind of curious though. SLS is required for Phase II/Captain. I know that former members can be reinstated to their last held grade if they have current training. That being said, are you trying to get reinstated to Captain?
I wasout of CAP for a LONG time!
Last time I was active was back in 1985/6
And beleive you me, CAP has changed one heck of a LOT !
I need to go to SLS just to make sure I am back up to speed.
As it looks right now, I will become the Deputy Commander for Cadets next month as well.
The last 6 months has been spent SLOWLY coming back up to speed on EVERYTHING CAP...
Its amazing just how much I forgot, or had learned differently while I was on active duty in the Army.
Quote from: dcpacemaker on May 18, 2005, 02:44:41 PM
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 01:52:19 PM
Just something to consider cadet I have a squadron of about 60-70 and we have 4 Spaatz and I plan to get another, so yes that will help but yeah...
I have a quick question. Since you do not use much punctuation in your posts, I often have a hard time discerning your meaning so if I misread your post I apologize. Did you just call SM Parrett a cadet?
Also, C/Col Parker wouldn't happen to be from your squadron, would he? What about C/Lt Col Walters? Is he from your squadron as well?
Thanks,
Ops! once again sorry about that Sir I typed cadet not even thinking about it and sorry about my punctuation I was in a hurry. Yes C/Col Parker and C/Col Walters and C/Col Fitzpatrick and another C/Col that I just can't think of the name right now are all in my squadron. Now I am trusting you here so as I said I apologize for the chain of command thing and I even apologized to the General too, so don't rat on me to the C/Col. ok?
Thank you Sir,
This is My Apology email to the General and his response,
Sir,
This is Cadet Johnson one last time. I had posted my email from you so the cadets online could see what you had to say on how to achive the honor of possesing your coin. Then a cadet gave me a nice leture, I now have a whole new view on the chain of command. You know the details, I went strait to you when there are a million people higher than me that are lower than you that I should have gone to first. I am very sorry for any trouble I have caused but as I have said I have learned from my mistake and apolgize once more.
Cadet Johnson
There was no breech of protocol at all. You merely requested a coin, not a promotion. I am glad to hear from our Cadets and I would gently raise the question of protocol if the item was a chain of command issue.
----- Original Message -----
From: Calvin Johnson
To: dhwheless@earthlink.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 7:47 AM
Subject: Hello
I know take back all of my apologys for breeching the protocal, it sounds to me like he likes to hear from the little guys every once in a while, A TRUE LEADER, in my eyes as I'm sure he is in yours too and an all aroung nice guy.
Back to the topic of coins.
All of my 60th anniversary coins arrived.
Looks like Monday night will be the Cadet introduction to the CAP coin challenge.
yeah good idea do you know anywhere that they can be purchused for around $10? I looked at the other posts a didn't see any. I may have looked them over though.
$10.00 is what I am paying for them.
http://www.nwtmint.com/cart/39_cap.html
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 08:52:15 PM
I know take back all of my apologys for breeching the protocal, it sounds to me like he likes to hear from the little guys every once in a while, A TRUE LEADER, in my eyes as I'm sure he is in yours too and an all aroung nice guy.
Like I said, Maj Gen Wheless is a very nice guy and is generally not as strict/harsh as many of the corporate officers might be. He does like to hear from people in the field, so if he doesn't consider it a breach of the chain of command then who am I to second guess the National Commander. Again, be cautious about this in the future as not all CAP leaders are this nice about e-mails that miss this many loops in the chain (in all seriousness I'm speaking from experience here). I'm just trying to give you advice that will help you be the best cadet possible. Your heart is in the right place. Just tread lightly (everything strictly by the book unless an exception is granted by someone in command) until you have a firm foundation in the program.
I also had no intention of "ratting you out" to the cadet officers in your squadron. You just made a comment that there were several in your squadron, and I happen to know a few from Arkansas (it's just a 45 minute drive from my house to the Louisiana/Arkansas border) so I thought I would ask. C/Col Parker does not know me that well; although he is on the Region CAC as the Arkansas representative. C/Lt Col Walters I do know well. Next time you see him (which may be awhile if he's still in basic training), please tell him hello for me.
[Anything else about this I believe should be done via PM because we've gone WAY off topic--my fault, not yours]
As for the coins, that website confused me (which apparently is not hard to do). Is the $10 coin the bronze version? In any case, I'm glad you got them in. How do they look in person?
Thanks,
By the way does the Air Force have another name for challenge coins I mentioned one to a Reservist in an email and he had no idea what I was talking about and he is a Cheif so I'm sure he'd know.
Quote from: usafafreak on May 18, 2005, 10:33:38 PM
By the way does the Air Force have another name for challenge coins I mentioned one to a Reservist in an email and he had no idea what I was talking about and he is a Cheif so I'm sure he'd know.
I've heard them called RMOs (round metal object), but that was only in my former AFROTC detachment. I've always heard it called a challenge coin by active duty and reserve personnel.
Quote from: dcpacemaker on May 18, 2005, 10:17:02 PM
As for the coins, that website confused me (which apparently is not hard to do). Is the $10 coin the bronze version? In any case, I'm glad you got them in. How do they look in person?
I bought 7 coins.
5 Bronze, 1 silver, 1 gold.
So far as I can tell, they look EXACTLY like they show them on the www site.
Here are photos of EACH of the coins.
http://www.nwtmint.com/GiftShop/CAP/cap.htm
As for me, I am quite happy with what I got.
And I expect all of my cadet officer staff to be very surprised by the presentation Monday night.
The FUN will come when one of them gets cocky and "drops" a coin on another member of the staff and the free drinks start flowing !!
Quote from: dcpacemaker on May 18, 2005, 11:01:36 PM
I've heard them called RMOs (round metal object), but that was only in my former AFROTC detachment. I've always heard it called a challenge coin by active duty and reserve personnel.
SMDs, Solid Metal Disks.
Gold and silver would of course be called.
SPMD, Solid precious metal disks.... ;)
I got a USAF reservist to send me an ubercool coin for NOTHING! haha Life's good.
Quote from: abysmal on May 18, 2005, 11:39:07 PM
Quote from: dcpacemaker on May 18, 2005, 11:01:36 PM
I've heard them called RMOs (round metal object), but that was only in my former AFROTC detachment. I've always heard it called a challenge coin by active duty and reserve personnel.
SMDs, Solid Metal Disks.
Gold and silver would of course be called.
SPMD, Solid precious metal disks.... ;)
SMD's.....
sounds like Senior Members _________ I'm not sure anyone care to fill in the blank haha.
Quote from: usafafreak on May 22, 2005, 01:04:24 AM
Quote from: abysmal on May 18, 2005, 11:39:07 PM
Quote from: dcpacemaker on May 18, 2005, 11:01:36 PM
I've heard them called RMOs (round metal object), but that was only in my former AFROTC detachment. I've always heard it called a challenge coin by active duty and reserve personnel.
SMDs, Solid Metal Disks.
Gold and silver would of course be called.
SPMD, Solid precious metal disks.... ;)
SMD's.....
sounds like Senior Members _________ I'm not sure anyone care to fill in the blank haha.
Senior Members' Donuts.
I thought of one:
Senior Member's Drinks
(Hey it gets them one doesn't it, ok maybe they are the one's paying for it but yeah..)
Quote from: Greg on May 22, 2005, 02:58:22 PM
Senior Members' Donuts.
I hate to have to admitt it.
But having just gotten back from SLS, I must report there were boxes of donuts in the classroom.
Sigh....
Quote from: usafafreak on May 22, 2005, 01:02:48 AM
I got a USAF reservist to send me an ubercool coin for NOTHING! haha Life's good.
I don't get how receiving a coin for doing nothing is "cool".
Last night I was at a squadron awards banquet to present the award for Group Cadet Airman of the Quarter, and the Wing Commander of the 174th Fighter Wing, NYANG passed the cadet his commander's coin in a handshake. Very cool. That's gotta be one happy Cadet NCO.
On Monday night I passed out 4 Bronze coins to my cadet officers with the challenge that if any of them makes C/Major i will trade in teh coin for Silver one, and should one of them press on and make full C/Col i will exchange the silver for the Gold version.
Each of them also accepted the coin challenge and understands that if they are caught, AT ANY TIME WHATSOEVER from this point forward without the coin on them, that they are buying. And that if they ever refuse to buy, they forfeit the coin back to me.
Should be fun over the next few months...
Quote from: abysmal on May 26, 2005, 03:58:15 AM
On Monday night I passed out 4 Bronze coins to my cadet officers with the challenge that if any of them makes C/Major i will trade in teh coin for Silver one, and should one of them press on and make full C/Col i will exchange the silver for the Gold version.
Each of them also accepted the coin challenge and understands that if they are caught, AT ANY TIME WHATSOEVER from this point forward without the coin on them, that they are buying. And that if they ever refuse to buy, they forfeit the coin back to me.
Should be fun over the next few months...
Sounds like a fun motivator.
What are they buying? Root beer floats? ;)
Exactly.
Anything that we keep in teh squadron refrigerator out in the hanger is fair game...
Quote from: abysmal on May 26, 2005, 03:58:15 AM
On Monday night I passed out 4 Bronze coins to my cadet officers with the challenge that if any of them makes C/Major i will trade in teh coin for Silver one, and should one of them press on and make full C/Col i will exchange the silver for the Gold version.
Each of them also accepted the coin challenge and understands that if they are caught, AT ANY TIME WHATSOEVER from this point forward without the coin on them, that they are buying. And that if they ever refuse to buy, they forfeit the coin back to me.
Should be fun over the next few months...
OK, that's a true challenge coin the way I understand it. I hate to come on like an old salt, but the challenge coin is a pretty new thing in the grand scheme of things. First one I ever ran into was in Daytona beach about ten years ago. I was up there learning how to pick up airplane crashes, and in the same hotel was a state wide police academy teachers convention. Got to talking to one of them named Fred, and we started talking about jumping out of airplanes. Fred was a Special Forces veteran, and after a little, he reached in his pocket and pulled out the challenge coin they give you at Benning when you finish jump school. Got one of these? says he. After he explained what it was, I told him I had six of them--Six? how'd you get six? Took 'em off guys that couldn't defend 'em, Fred.
Quote from: Skyray
After he explained what it was, I told him I had six of them--Six? how'd you get six? Took 'em off guys that couldn't defend 'em, Fred.
Sure. Either you capture them from those less diligent about the coins, or you hang around with a bunch of guys with stars. :D Either way, you're sure to get some coins, especially when either group has been drinking. ;D
i have a mississippi wing encampment challenge coin
Quote from: CHRIS on July 03, 2005, 01:03:21 PM
i have a mississippi wing encampment challenge coin
Value it highly, and don't forget to go for the T.D. Fortune Award when you become eligible.
I figured I'd bring this one back from the dead.
Anybody else have CAP Challenge Coins to share? :)
FYI - I am working with 2 outfits in Turkey who make coins for units in the
GUlf region, etc.
Quality is pretty high, I have one in my hand.
www.timscoins.com
also
Neither charges a setup and their minimum is 50.
There exist also silver and gold versions of the bronze NYWG encampment coin.
(http://image09.webshots.com/9/3/87/57/125838757UVkytN_ph.jpg)
http://community.webshots.com/album/125837105ArzduJ
We got them from http://wemakecoins.com/. The owner is a former CAP member.
*BUMP*
The CAP GSAR coin picture is in:
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g167/dcpacemaker/GSAR.jpg)
Refer to this thread on CS (http://forums.cadetstuff.org/viewtopic.php?p=116342#116342) for information on ordering if you're interested and qualified (any GTM level, UDF, GTL, or GBD qualifies).
Found this off one of the site and figured it was cool to know regarding this thread:
History of Challange Coin:
(Note, this very well could be a myth or legend, I take no responsibility for the authenticity of this story ;D )
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.
I have never heard to them reffered to as challenge coins. I have always heard them just called coins that Commanders and senior officers give usually to people that have done something outstanding or signifigant. I have not seen any coin below the rank of Colonel given. I didin't realize that CAP had coins also. Thats very cool.
Quote from: flyguy06 on April 12, 2006, 07:31:10 AM
[...] I have not seen any coin below the rank of Colonel given. [...]
Correct, in the armed forces, you're required a Bird or higher, to my recoletion, to have your "own" coin.
CAP has them in place of graduation of schools, classes, units, and some wings have them. I know that certain schools give them out for outstanding feats.
Quote from: Matt on April 12, 2006, 01:20:07 PM
Quote from: flyguy06 on April 12, 2006, 07:31:10 AM
[...] I have not seen any coin below the rank of Colonel given. [...]
Correct, in the armed forces, you're required a Bird or higher, to my recoletion, to have your "own" coin.
What makes you think that? I've received on from my Lt Col squadron commander, my Wing's Command Chief, and my First Sergeant. None of which are O-6's.
BTW...coins don't have rank...
Quote from: Matt
Correct, in the armed forces, you're required a Bird or higher, to my recoletion, to have your "own" coin.
Hmm... where's that written?
I've got a coin from a Command Chief Master Sergeant. It's got their rank insignia and name right on there. Must be unauthorized. ;)
Quote from: Matt on April 12, 2006, 01:20:07 PM
Quote from: flyguy06 on April 12, 2006, 07:31:10 AM
[...] I have not seen any coin below the rank of Colonel given. [...]
[...] to my recolection [...]
Ok, aside from just catching my spelling error, please consult operative term... ;) Never guaranteed it.
I've got a NESA Staff coin (#323) thats it though.
I had never heard of them till, last week, my old CAP mentor L/Col Dave Moseley, Cmdr, of Lake Composite Squadron in Florida, gave me one.
Its his squadron patch and on the reverse side, the "tails side" is the CAP National Shield.
He gave one to the new National Commander, Maj Gen Tony Pineda, also.
I should have said Colonel's and Senior NCO's. Yes, I have seen Sergeant Major coins as well. In fact I have one from when I was enlisted. I was top soldier at the Land Nav course at PLDC many many moons ago.
I've seen coins from (RealMilitary) Lieutenants, Captains, and Majors. Challenge coins aren't limited to higher echelons, it's just unusual to see them handed out by lower level commanders.
Quote from: dws on March 31, 2006, 09:12:30 PM
There exist also silver and gold versions of the bronze NYWG encampment coin.
(http://image09.webshots.com/9/3/87/57/125838757UVkytN_ph.jpg)
http://community.webshots.com/album/125837105ArzduJ (http://community.webshots.com/album/125837105ArzduJ)
We got them from http://wemakecoins.com/. (http://wemakecoins.com/.) The owner is a former CAP member.
Sorry to resurrect the topic but does the encampment still have these and if so how do you earn one? Graduate?
My unit commander here has a commander's coin that is given out. There are enlisted folks who have them as well though these are usually based off their position. Most wing command chiefs have them. I have a coin from the SgtMaj of the Army floating around here somewhere. CAP wise I have one from my unit here and one from a previous national commander. In AD many booster clubs, schools etc have coins.
If anyone is interested, LCol Jim Shaw can provide a 70th anniversary of CAP challenge coin from the CAP Historical Foundation. They are better looking than the ones Vanguard has. If you see a CAPHistorian post on CAPTalk PM him about them.
Having a "challenge coin" is like haveing buisness cards......if you want some....all you got to do is go out and buy them.
Quote from: lordmonar on April 22, 2012, 10:04:48 PM
Having a "challenge coin" is like haveing buisness cards......if you want some....all you got to do is go out and buy them.
If you're buying them for yourself, you're missing the point.
I think he's saying that people make a big deal about people who have challenge coins, when they can have them too (their own coin), if they're willing to shell out some cash for them. "Special People" aren't the only ones that can have coins.
Hi, im 2nd Lt BagOdoughnuts. I am the admin officer for random squadron 999, here is my challenge coin! >:D
Quote from: NCRblues on April 23, 2012, 01:46:57 AM
Hi, im 2nd Lt BagOdoughnuts. I am the admin officer for random squadron 999, here is my challenge coin! >:D
I had a shop NCOIC make some up for giving out as awards to other shops that helped us out.
It was kind of silly. ::)
True enough on the want one, buy one deal, but there's very little in life any more, up to and even soon including space travel where that can't be said.
To me they are a token of shared experience, appreciation of special effort, or a unique event. They aren't expensive, but they also aren't something you can just pick up at Things Remembered either. A tangible reminder of an intangible experience.
After the family is safe, the next trip into my burning house will be for the flags and the coins, because they represent experiences for me that I frankly never thought would be open to me.
C/CPL Jessica Strange, an Army Cadet from Kentucky
(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/534145_323263147728029_100001330383190_811104_1082200513_n.jpg)
(far right, shown during a testimony before the Commonwealth of Kentucky Education Committee)
recently received the below coin from Medal of Honor Recipient SSG(R) Don Jenkins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_J._Jenkins):
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/431411_316450065076004_759380038_n.jpg)
(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/419586_316450278409316_100001330383190_794625_1783325600_n.jpg)
He walked up to her, told her that her bearing and attitude made him proud of the future of our country, and "palmed" the coin to the Cadet. She had no idea of the significance of the coin until several senior officers wanted to just see what is, arguably, the most significant coin we've ever seen presented. This one will be hard to beat!
Quote from: COL Land on April 23, 2012, 06:05:17 AM
C/CPL Jessica Strange, an Army Cadet from Kentucky
recently received the below coin from Medal of Honor Recipient SSG(R) Don Jenkins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_J._Jenkins):
He walked up to her, told her that her bearing and attitude made him proud of the future of our country, and "palmed" the coin to the Cadet. She had no idea of the significance of the coin until several senior officers wanted to just see what is, arguably, the most significant coin we've ever seen presented. This one will be hard to beat!
It is great to see a Cadet recognized for representing the group in such a professional manner. That speaks volumes about the leadership and those she learns from. It also speaks volumes about her as an individual.
I've got three challenge coins so far. Encampment, An Air Force Staff Sgt. Coin given by my unit for reasons even I don't understand, and Captain of our squadron's CyberPatriot Team.
I have several coins, I received this one from the Southeast Region Commander Col Al Bedgood, this past weekend at the GAWG Conference.
I have an encampment coin and a F-15 (?) coin.
Pics after I take this final and go home.
I have 2 CyberPatriot coins for coaching our team and a CAP coin I received in a bag full of stuff. I'll hang on to that one until I see a cadet do something noteworthy, yet not enough so to be awarded an Achievement Ribbon (or above) and hand it to them.
I also received an Air Force 2d Lt coin from a friend and squadron-mate when I was promoted to 2d Lt. He stated it was given to him when he received his butter bars and he was giving it to me. All he asked was that I repay the favor when it's my turn. It's one of my most valued possessions because it has personal and third party sentimental value.
I'm going to hate giving it away.... and I think that's the point.
I have few, a two star coin (101st div Commander) a brigade coin (506 PIR), a double eagle coin, got that one when I came back from Iraq, and got my combat patch. Then a couple more brigade coins (all 506 PIR).
I am not familiar with the background of the challenge coins. I was active duty in the 70s, reserves in the 80s. Being in an infantry unit we got edged weapons for soldier of the year, quarter, etc. Got a pistol for winning an NRA match but no coins ???
Quote from: Private Investigator on April 24, 2012, 12:52:28 AM
I am not familiar with the background of the challenge coins. I was active duty in the 70s, reserves in the 80s. Being in an infantry unit we got edged weapons for soldier of the year, quarter, etc. Got a pistol for winning an NRA match but no coins ???
I wish it were still that way, I would trade most of my coins for guns and knives and swords.
Found pictures!
(http://archives.sercap.us/resources/internal/file_views/241/1_FLWG_Encampment_2005.jpg)