Originally posted by Mightyz90_93: LT; The rules for gov't purchase of, and then the distribution of, coins are VERY strict, to include a full accounting of WHO EVERY coin went to.
Now, that said, you would find that a LOT of people who do give out coins, myself included, purchase them from their own funds. The paper work I filled out to do so was extensive, and the aprroving official is a complete bear, but when I bought her a new car, she approved the purchase of more coins!
Other purchases are made from non-operating expenses, like morale money. Sometimes they are paid for by other private sources, like the other coin I control, which was paid for by the Chiefs in the Mess.
I'd would bet a majority of coins are not funded by operating expense money.
MC,
I agree that there is a strict accounting system in place-- the recent ALCOAST on the subject made that clear. However, I think you'd have to agree that that hasn't always been the case. I'm glad the Coast Guard has tightened down on the possibility of spending OE money on coins.
I'm just wondering whether similar strides have been made in our sister services to show good stewardship of taxpayer money.
I got nothing but anecdotal info, but I would believe so. The recent ALCOAST didn't change much on the accounting side, most of the changes were in design requirements. The accounting side was a reiteration. I bought my initial order prior to (by a far shot) that ALCOAST and I saw nothing new.
(and roger, there has been a recent crackdown require people to follow the rules. Probably has to do with the growing popularity of coins)
Originally posted by Mightyz90_93: lapel pins. Short version, just got back to the pier after a week in the "Perfect Storm," rescuing the folks from the Satori and then the ANG helo and search for Sgt Smith. DOT ordered us to Mass Maritime to come aboard and thank us. He passed out his 'way to go' lapel pins to us. He noticed a Sta Capr Cod Canal 41 going by, waived them over and tossed some lapel pins to them. Now, as you just stated, the value behind something like that is the story, not the person. When it went from 'thanking us for the PS Rescue' to 'a $0.20 pin from the S-1 to any Coastie he saw,' the personal value for many dropped to nothing.
I didn't see him give the pins the small boat crew, musta been on the other side from were I was standing. Of course, what follows is just an opinion but it still wouldn't have diminished the value of mine any. We know what we did that week. (We also know what happend in Cambridge, MD but that's a different story ) The long hours and intense emotions of the searches, rescue than the disappoint of leaving the scene with person still missing wasn't reflected in the pin, and I can recall what happened without it, but I still liked the way it looked on my hat.
kb5ujm, I'd e-mailed you to your Fred's Place e-mail address. My advice was to use Word or a similar program to do spell checks like I have to since I can't spell to save my life. My wife and I have had a joint Fred's Place profile since the late 90s I think, "Denise And Erik Andersen". She is also active duty and does not typically post. I assumed our profile is transparent enough and when I sign a post I use "CWO A" or "Erik", depending on the audience to differentiate between my wife and I. As far as "Guardian", a shipmate recently forwarded the CCTI theme, haven't been allowed in the loop since I traded in my Star. I get it, but like anything else, some of us don't like things shoved down our throats. I applaud and thank you for your service Mr. Dittman. Gotta go shovel, been snowing like a ****** here on the Cape! Chief Warrant Officer (MED2) Erik Andersen erik (dot) a (dot) andersen@uscg (dot) mil theandersens1@comcast (dot) net
I've received tons of coins from graduating different Army schools, being in different units, etc. as well as a few from the CG. They are all in a box collecting dust. They just don't do much for me.
Originally posted by Mightyz90_93: Just to point out one thing, CWO A does sign his posts, check the profile. (OK, not clear which of the two is posting, but still, it is signed)
LIS - I am a little worried about dragging this too far off topic, but in my opinion (which isn't an better than yours) the folks who consider it a CAREER would sign their name. The folks that think of it as a paycheck and a job are the ones who will not.
Not a coin but I like this tie clip I got from President George H.W. Bush after working an entire detail for his visit to the FL Keys in the early 90's.
By ASM3Driscoll "Through out my whole hitch, boot camp, honor guard, asm school , sai school, I never heard a word spoken about challenge coins. We did some work with Canadian CG, and other services and not a boo?"
Not alone. Had heard about the practice between US Army units from past days, but had never heard about it or seen the ritual practiced in the CG through 1988. Must be a 1990s or later ritual that migrated over.
Heard lots of hype about it too from Army folks back in Ft. Campbell, KY, but never seen it go down.
Junior E-5 here, only 4 coins...HAM (TWICE!), Sector SD, and MCPOCG from MCPO Bowen last year on his visit to the CHASE. I hope I get a CHASE Coin, have yet to see one issued out since I reported AY07.
For those who look for Command coins, the exchanges sell them now. Also keep an eye on Ebay...all sorts of ones turned up by me searching "USCGC coin" this afternoon.
Quote "Through out my whole hitch, boot camp, honor guard, asm school , sai school, I never heard a word spoken about challenge coins. We did some work with Canadian CG, and other services and not a boo?" Dick, The HG actually has/had a challenge coin. We used to present it to each of the new members at the HG ball as well as sell them to past members. There were two versions, one painted and numbered that only present or prior (with proof) HG members could get, then the same coin but with no colors and no number on it to give as presents or the command would award to those that may have helped out the HG in some way. I'm not sure if they still sell these coins but if they do you might want to ask the current Chief at Walter.H.Isom@uscg.mil The HG might be my favorite coin since I designed it and have the #0002 coin, but I'd have to go back and take a look I have so many of them. If I ever figure out how to download pictures I'll post some.
I never got any while on active duty. since I have been in the reserves I have gotten a few. My favorite is the one I got from Rick Trent MCPO-CG(ret)and my Chief's coin. During my CCTI 2 years ago I heard he lived nearby, I called him and met him for lunch. It was cool to meet him.
I, too, have never heard of Challenge Coins unitl my son joined the Air Force. I have two, now, presented by my son. Tonight, I found a web site that sells Challenge Coins, along with a lot of other military things, (I could drop a lot of coin there.) They have a couple designs for Coast Guard veterans. Question: Would it be gauche of me to buy a couple to present to my sons. The one when he returns from his tour in Kuwait and the other to present to my other son when he graduates Marine Basic Training?
I guess Challegne Coins mean a lot. My AF son called me after he received one from a General. Everyone in the Funeral Detail received one after doing a funeral for a Air National Guard member.
) The long hours and intense emotions of the searches, rescue than the disappoint of leaving the scene with person still missing wasn't reflected in the pin, and I can recall what happened without it, but I still liked the way it looked on my hat.
