Products of “The Perfect Super Bowl City”

Monday, March 19, 2012 by Peggy Whitaker

While Tom Brady and Eli Manning were gearing up to play in what became the most-watched program in the history of United States television, our entire city worked diligently  planning and transforming our downtown and surrounding areas to ensure the most successful and safe Super Bowl in history!

As you may have heard Indianapolis recently hosted Super Bowl XLVI … #46 for those fellow Roman Numerically Challenged readers out there. And being that Recognition Services is located in Indianapolis, we were lucky enough to get in on the action by producing some unique pieces!

All kinds of Super Bowl merchandise was being produced and sold; hats, t-shirts, patches, luggage tags, keychains, and of course challenge coins!

INDIANAPOLIS INT'L AIRPORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTERIndiana State Police

So after …

600,000 people in the city

24,574 air port passengers

8,000 official volunteers

66 much anticipated commercials

And 1 censored halftime show

Indianapolis is now being dubbed “the perfect Super Bowl city”. So as our dedicated men and women are still catching their breath from the wonderful event, they are celebrating that success and hard work with commemorative pieces.

Indianpolis Airport PoliceIndianapolis Fire Department

We were asked to create custom challenge coins for Indianapolis Police, Fire, Airport Communications Center, Airport Police, Sherriff’s Dept., EMS and Indiana State Police. Take a moment to Ooo and Aww with us over these spectacular mementos of history!

Throughout this post are the photos of the various coins we produced.

Click here to see more of our work!

Marion County SheriffIndianapolis Emergency Medical Services

Custom Coin for Operation Restoration

Friday, February 24, 2012 by Peggy Whitaker

I recently had the pleasure of producing a custom military coin for a wonderful veteran program Operation Restoration which is offered by The Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) Indianapolis.

Operation Restoration is a weekend retreat designed to reunite couples after one of them returns from combat deployment. The program allows couples to reconnect and renew their relationship.

The weekend retreat is focused on providing a relaxing environment to cultivate self-discovery, enhanced communication and interaction as a couple. Operation Restoration is offered at no cost to qualifying combat veterans and their significant others thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc.

When Tammy at the VA hospital first told me about the purpose of the coin I was so touched. This program is vital in transitioning a post deployment veteran back into the everyday relationship moments one experiences with their partner.

The custom coin was produces out of brass and features the Operation Restoration logo and core areas of focus. It features a brass swirl diamond cut edge which contrast beautifully against the shiny nickel plating. The electric sparkle texture on both sides allows the art to stay the focus. Even the tiniest detail of the grey camouflage pattern is impeccable.

Couples participating in the program will receive this coin to remind them daily of the components of a loving relationship.

Please click OPERATION RESORATION for more information on the program.

To inquire about your own custom challenge coin, lapel pin or patch, click here.

Custom Challenge CoinMilitary Coin

Showcase Your Patriotism

Friday, February 10, 2012 by Peggy Whitaker

Patriotic Pins

Looking for patriotic ideas for your next promotion? Order a custom, USA made lapel pin with your logo, a custom challenge coin or cloth emblem.

Whether you’re preparing for a fundraising or July 4th event or simply want to convey your Patriotic pride, our custom metal and cloth emblems convey your message in a visible and budget-friendly manner. These products create a connection between your company or club and patriotism.

Your company may even discover that it can stand out among the competition and reach your customers by appealing to their Patriotic emotions. Distribute challenge coins to your most valued customers or colleagues or request that your staff wear flag lapel pins as part of their uniform.

By placing your logo in the heart of our country’s greatest symbol of freedom, the American Flag you declare that you are committed to support the USA.

Recognition Services creates custom promotional Patriotic products. We have a variety of products from you to choose from; many can be imprinted with your logo in as few as 5 working days! With fast turnaround and the highest quality available, purchasing your custom patriotic pins from Recognition Services is a sure bet!


Click here to see some of our patriotic designs!


Donation to Wounded Heroes Made in Your Name

Monday, December 19, 2011 by Peggy Whitaker

 

In lieu of Christmas Gifts this year Recognition Services has made a monetary donation to the Wounded Warrior Project on behalf of our dedicated customers.

 

“The Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) exists to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who incurred service-connected injures on or after September 11, 2001. On that date, America watched in horror as approximately 3,000 people died including hundreds of firefighters and rescue workers.

The tragic events of Sept. 11 are often the reason warriors say they felt a sense of duty to volunteer for the military.” As stated on the Wounded Warrior Project website.

These individuals chose to defend our country, and that is why we honor them.


So this Christmas we are thanking You by supporting our great country’s men and women who guard our freedom and safety.

From all of us to you, Merry Christmas!


To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) visit: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Wounded Warrior Project


Found in: Challenge Coins, Military Patch, Masonic Lapel Pin, Lions Club Pin

Navy Challenge Coin Honors Families Too

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 by Michael Meador
Navy Challenge CoinThe Naval Special Warfare Group has been in the news a lot lately for their heroic deeds and sacrifices seen around the world.  On May 2, 2011 a group of the elite Navy Seals, a division of under Naval Special Warfare Command, eliminated Osama Bin Laden which thrust the NSWC into the spotlight as the upper echelon of the armed forces.  The world also watched the tragedy of August 6, 2011 when a helicopter crash killed 17 Navy Seals, as well as 8 American and 8 Afghan operatives.  In between these events we were called upon to create a custom challenge coin for the families of the NSWC members stationed in Virginia Beach.  The Virginia Beach outpost of the Naval Special Warfare Command just so happened to be where the families of many fallen soldiers of the August incident lived.

It was a very sobering feeling knowing that just a few weeks before these challenge coins were delivered to the Virginia Beach area that these families were filled with pride for what the Seals had accomplished.  Yet soon after receiving these pocket tokens these families would be filled grief over the loss of their fallen family members.  The coin reads simply "We Also Serve" and outlines the figure of a mother holding an infant, and a little boy saluting the American flag.  The message is simple and powerful, our military families truly serve behind the scenes.  Military Challenge Coin

As much as we as a nation have thanked the troops in all branches of the military for their valiant support and service, I want to take a minute to say thank you to all of the military families out there that also serve.  Thank you for being a support to our heroes.  Thank you to the spouses that endure sleepless nights for the sake of our freedom.  Thank you to the parents of these brave men and women for raising such courageous pillars of humanity.  Finally, thank you to the children of these men and women for carrying the spirit of bravery and justice into generations to come.

If you have taken the time to read this post, I strongly encourage you to leave a message of inspiration to not just the families of the NSWC, but to all families of service men and women so that they might see how much we appreciate them as well.

The Best Lions Club Award of 2011 - Etched Medallion Plates Are Here

Thursday, August 18, 2011 by Michael Meador

This past year we have had numerous requests from members of Lions Club International asking for a unique gift that they could give as an award to outstanding Lions or Lions Club supporters.  After quite a bit of design and development, we are pleased to bring to you the Lions Club Etched Medallion Plate!
Lions Club Award

These awards are a fantastic option when a lapel pin, challenge coin, or certificate simply will not convey enough appreciation.  These plates can be proudly displayed in club entrances, on podiums, and tables as each piece comes with its own satin lined gift box and wooden stand.  Customization options are available for the plates, and the stock design you see above has a low minimum of only one piece!  If you are looking for the perfect gift to let you know your cabinet, sponsors, and volunteers just how special they are then please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Thank you again to all our supporters and customers, we greatly appreciate your business.

Help us support a noble cause

Friday, August 5, 2011 by Michael Meador
Everyday we produce custom coins, custom lapel pins, and custom embroidered patches, each with their own purpose and story.  When our customers tell us their story behind the products they order we know we are helping by creating more than an 'emblem'.  Any time we are able to help our customers and contribute to their stories we are more than happy to do so.

Recently a firefighter in Atlanta whom we've produced custom badges for in the past asked me to pass along his story and ask for our support.  He is working diligently with the Pepsi Refresh program with a goal to open Camp Mai Soli for fostered and adopted children.  I encourage you to read up on his project here and vote for his cause.  As the saying goes, think of the children. 

We want to do more for all of our customers than just create emblems, we want to help create stories of success.  We are only as successful as our customers and their endeavors.  If you are currently working on a project for yourself or your community and you need support and visibility, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can use these blogs as a podium for your message.  These blogs are visited hundreds of times each week, let us help you spread your message.

Thank you again for your continued support!

A Navy Challenge Coin in a League of Its Own

Thursday, June 23, 2011 by Michael Meador
United States Navy Recruiting CommandEvery month we produce dozens of styles of custom challenge coins, and while each has their own unique story and design, there are a few challenge coins that stand out above the rest.  We recently had the opportunity to work with a police officer out in Albuquerque who was also retired Navy.  Dave wanted a custom coin that would symbolize his Navy pride and tell a story of Navy tradition. He wanted to make sure this coin stood above the rest in terms of size and uniqueness, and his idea of going above and beyond the conventional round coin idea ended up paying off great.  By shaping the mold of the coin to mimic the seal for the United States Navy Recruiting Command logo we were able to create something truly unique and collectible. 

It's this level of uniqueness and creativity that we love to work with.  To create a visually striking custom piece that is the center piece of any collection is what we strive for.  We are always eager to see the most unique coin in your collection as well so leave a comment and tell us what the most striking coin is in your collection, and how you came to own it.
United States Navy Recruiting Command
If you are in the market for a unique military challenge coin then look no further. 

Support Special Olympics Today!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011 by Michael Meador
Special Olympics Products

With the Special Olympics World Games almost upon us we have had the great opportunity to create many custom lapel pins, custom embroidered patches, and custom challenge coins that have been used to raise awareness and funds for this great organization.  Here at Recognition Services we just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to those of you we have had the pleasure of working with for these events.  More importantly we want to say thank you to all the supporters and sponsors of Special Olympics events around the world. 

Each year people from all walks of life and all corners of society will come together in support of the Special Olympics games and participants.  We have seen local Lions Club Members get involved, law enforcement officials take pride in a traditional torch run, and even bikers organizing fundraiser rides for Special Olympics. 

If you are not already involved with this great organization I encourage you to click on this link to see how you can get involved with a program in your area.  It is always a pleasure working with the members of these organizations and their supporters, their spirit of service and humbleness is truly inspiring.

Be a Fan Today!

Project 911 Indianapolis - A custom coin for a great cause

Thursday, May 5, 2011 by Michael Meador
Every time we answer the phone here at Recognition Services we don't really know what we will be getting in to, we just know that we are contacted to create the highest quality custom lapel pin, challenge coin, or embroidered patch a person can ask for.  So when the phone rang and I answered Mr. Greg Hess's call yesterday I thought it would be business as usual, but little did I know that Greg was going to open up an amazing opportunity for us.  He introduced himself as a local firefighter with the Indianapolis Fire Department, and he wanted to swing by our office to discuss making a custom challenge coin.  A few hours later he was in our lobby and introduced himself as the founder of Project 911 Indianapolis
Project 911 Indianapolis

Through his amazing efforts the city of Indianapolis will have a chance to create a memorial using actual pieces of the WTC towers downtown.  I encourage you to check out the site, especially if you are here in Indy, and support his effort any way you can.  His story is amazing, and I truly enjoyed listening to him recount his time at Ground Zero that fateful day back in 2001.  As we wrapped up our meeting regarding the custom coin and custom patch we will be designing for him he pulled out a little pouch containing a rusted and bent piece of metal and placed it in my hands.  Sitting there holding a piece of our nation's history was sobering and humbling to say the least.  What he has done with Project 911 Indianapolis is truly amazing, and we are truly grateful to have the opportunity to work on this project.  If you are part of a group that is planning on creating a memorial piece for the 10 year anniversary of Sept. 11, we would be honored to help you as well.  Please contact us today.

Challenge Coins to Honor Fallen Heroes

Friday, April 22, 2011 by Michael Meador
Police Challenge CoinIn the spirit of Good Friday I wanted to make a quick post that honors those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man.  Unfortunately we have seen many police officers killed in the line of duty this year, and frequently we are called upon by the families and departments involved to create a custom challenge coin in their memory.  The police coin you see with this post was actually created for the Santa Ana Honor Guard, and I carry it around with me as a stark reminder of just how noble and courageous men and women of the thin blue line are.  Our heartfelt thanks here at Recognition Services goes out to our civil servants and guardians, as well as their families for the support they offer.  We wish you the best and blessings this Easter weekend. 

Top Ten Reasons to Create a Custom Challenge Coin

Thursday, March 10, 2011 by Michael Meador
Ever since I first saw a Letterman Late Night Top Ten list I have always found the spirit of such a list alluring.  I cannot seem to contain myself from clicking a "Top Ten Reasons...", or "Top Ten Places..."  link, even if it doesn't hold the same satire that Dave has so famously infused in his lists.  So in this vein of thinking I thought it was due time for me to create a Top Ten list of my own, the "Top Ten Reasons to Create a Custom Challenge Coin."

#10 - A challenge coin is a great piece of advertising.  When you spruce up a coin with a company logo and contact info you've just created a great promotional piece for your organization.  A great handout to prospective and existing clients.

#9 - Coins are a great way to show appreciation.  It's a great feeling to give and receive a challenge coin in recognition of a job well done.

Navy Challenge Coin#8 - Celebrate an anniversary or a milestone.  A custom challenge coin is a great piece to hand out at a commemorative event.

#7 - The collector's item appeal.  Ask any person that has received a few coins over the years and they can tell you, once you start collecting you are always looking for more.

#6 - Great source of inspiration.  After a person receives a coin they will likely carry it around in their pocket if it is sentimental to them.  I have heard many stories of customers creating a pocket token with an inspirational passage engraved on it.  When they are having a bad day they can pull the token out and appreciate the message.

#5 - Honor a civil servant.  Police Officers / Firefighters / and Soldiers are all accustomed to the challenge coin appeal.  Coins and tokens are traded between departments and units for many different reasons.  A simple thank you coin to hand out to a soldier or officer would go a long way in making their day.

#4 - Speaking of Soldiers and Officers... If you are an active officer or soldier and your department or unit does not have a custom coin made then you need to get that resolved now.  It's always polite to reciprocate the gesture when you are given a coin.Masonic Coin

#3 - It's a fun process.  Not everyone is an artist by trade, but that shouldn't stop you from having us design a custom coin for you.  We enjoy coming up with new ways to manipulate the metal for your custom design. 

#2 - Stimulate the economy! Let's face it, when you order a custom coin from us you're keeping our doors open and the business growing! 

#1 - Something to call your own.  When you create a custom coin it is entirely yours, no one will have a coin like it.  There is a good feeling in knowing you have created something completely unique.

Cody Alicea - A True American Patriot

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 by Michael Meador
Cody Alicea was just a normal 13 year old boy who was proud of his country and the veterans, including his grandfather, who served for his freedom.  That is why he was proud to display an American flag on his bike as he rode back and forth to school.  A very commendable action for a young man to take, and an example to us all for how to display what we are proud of and what we support. 

Unfortunately the school system of Denair thought it unsafe for the flag to be on Cody's bike, and therefore made him remove it from his bike.  This action not only upset Cody and his family, but the local chapter of American Legion Riders and veterans from all around the nation.  We have had the privilege of creating many custom coins, biker pins, and embroidered patches for the American Legion Riders of the years, so it was great to see our product in the national spotlight in the below news segment.  The American Legion Riders are a fantastic group of men and women and I was not surprised at all at their outreach and support to Cody and his family.  We are proud to support the American Legion Riders and commend the work they do. 

Giving Back to Police Community

Monday, January 17, 2011 by Michael Meador
Recently I was contacted by a customer of ours with the Holts Summit Police Department in Missouri.  Carl has ordered several several custom coins and custom badges from us in the past, so when he asked for our help in promoting a contest he was in I was thrilled at the opportunity. 

Carl is working with two programs that are being supported by the Pepsi Refresh campaign, and has the opportunity to win $250,000 in grant money to help get these programs off the ground.  They are great programs aimed at keeping the streets safe through a stellar community outreach program from the Holts Summit Police Officers Association.  The other program is a great idea to keep the youth of Holts Summit active and off the streets by opening a fantastic new recreation center. 

Please check out the ideas here and here and cast your votes now.

Good Luck Carl!  We cannot wait to produce more police challenge coins and embroidered patches for you in the future.

A Custom Coin for Albuquerque Heroes

Friday, January 14, 2011 by Michael Meador
Custom Challenge CoinWe recently produced a custom challenge coin for a Police Officer Association in Albuquerque that we were honored to have the opportunity to do.  This police challenge coin is an excellent example on how to integrate different production options to create a visually stunning piece.  We combined elements of a die struck challenge coin with the addition of a printed insert to fully detail the elements of the painting.  We were very grateful for the opportunity we received when producing this coin to give back to the police officer community. 

If your department is looking to have a custom challenge coin made, please let us help you today.

Honoring our Heroes with Custom Coins and Custom Pins

Friday, December 3, 2010 by Michael Meador
I always love when we get the opportunity to deal with a new police or fire department in creating a custom coin, custom pin, or embroidered patch, it's exciting to help people bring their thoughts to form with a tangible token.  However several times in the past few months I have had to field some pretty sobering phone calls from departments wanting to design a custom coin or lapel pin honoring a fallen officer or firefighter.  I take these requests to heart each time knowing that we have the honor of creating a custom pin or challenge coin that will be cherished by these fallen heroes family and friends.  With these requests coming in I wanted to take a minute to stop and say thank you to all the law enforcement, fire fighters, and EMS crews out there keeping the public safe each and every day.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all these families and departments as they have lost their loved ones and friends recently.

Next time you see an officer or firefighter out, shake their hand, buy them lunch, or just say thanks and let them know you appreciate what they do.

Always a good idea to have a custom coin on hand

Friday, October 29, 2010 by Michael Meador
Earlier today I stopped by the post office and noticed a truck in the parking lot fully decked out in Marine and USMC stickers.  Once inside the building it was not long before I spotted the owner of the truck, as he was proudly wearing a Retired Marine hat, and USMC leather jacket. 

I thought for a minute that I could either continue on with my business, or stop and do the right thing and thank him for his service.  I of course chose the latter.  It also just so happened that I had a Marine Challenge Coin in my pocket, when you're in the business of making Custom Coins you tend to carry a few on you.  So with a challenge coin in my hand I walked up to the gentlemen and shook his hand.  The Marine challenge coin simply had a USMC EGA logo on one side, and Thank You on the other.  A simple yet humble and grateful message.  His appreciation was abundantly clear, and I was glad to put a smile on his face. 
So when was the last time you randomly thanked a hero?

Blauer Tactical Custom Coin and Custom Patch

Monday, August 16, 2010 by Michael Meador


A few months ago I was reading through one of our publications, S.W.A.T. Magazine, and I ran into an article about one of our newer customers. If you’re in the law enforcement / military field, then you should know the name Tony Blauer is synonymous with combat training. We were thrilled when Tony asked us to create a custom embroidered patch and custom coin for his company’s promotional use. If you’re looking for some top notch combat training you can learn more here about Tony and his highly effective S.P.E.A.R. system. Make sure to attend a seminar and see if you can snag one of his company’s custom coins or custom patches. They are sure to fit in nicely with your other military challenge coin and police challenge coin collections.

A custom coin and custom lapel pin for every Mason:

Wednesday, August 4, 2010 by Michael Meador

 

Lately we’ve been receiving a lot of requests for custom Masonic pins and challenge coins, and we’ve been happy to oblige. There have been lots of celebrations for new Worshipful Master positions, as well as many Masonic Lodge anniversaries. We would like to thank all the Masons that approached us with an opportunity to create custom pins and custom coins for your occasions. If your Mason’s lodge is due to celebrate an anniversary, if your Worshipful Master is just taking office and wants a custom lapel pin to commemorate, or if your lodge is looking for a custom lapel pin or coin to celebrate achievements and membership please contact us for a free quote.

Thank you all again for these valued opportunities!

SASS - Custom Coins and Cowboys!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 by Michael Meador

A couple years ago we attended the SHOT show down in Orlando and had a great time showing off our custom challenge coins and custom patches. While there we ran into a peculiar cowboy named Boyd with the Single Action Shooting Society and shortly after had the pleasure of creating some quality custom coins and custom awards for his group. If you’re a cowboy at heart, or just an enthusiast of single action shooters, then I encourage checking out the link above, grabbing your alias, and get involved by attending an event near you. While there make sure to check out their custom coin section and add one or two to your collection.

Keep shooting straight, and see you down the trail.