Custom Military Patches & Challenge Coins

Friday, May 14, 2010 by Craig Delay
Custom Military PatchesCustom military patches and challenge coins complement one another nicely. Custom patches are a very visible part of all military uniforms as they help identify a particular unit or squadron. Custom military patches are also used to show rank as a certain achievement or rank. In addition to the military’s embroidered patches, they use challenge coins in a similar way.

Custom military challenge coins also help identify members of a particular unit and/or rank within that unit. While they cannot be directly sewn on or applied to the military uniform, you never want to be caught without your challenge coin. So essentially, they are an extension of the military uniform as both help identify that particular person.

Both custom military patches and military challenge coins are collected and traded by many. The popularity is growing as the traditions continue to build. People are now looking for very unique, custom pieces and we can help deliver both patches and coins – that is where our 30+ years of experience and free design consultation come into play!

Let us help you put together a nice complementary set of military patches and challenge coins to commemorate your service to our country.

Emergency Paramedic Custom Patches

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 by Michael Meador

Custom emergency paramedic patches are an important part of the EMT/EMS uniform for those in a very critical line of duty for all citizens. These custom patches can be presented to EMS/EMT workers for some of the following duties

  • Student w/ high marks
  • Emergency medical technician
  • First responder
  • Medical technician
  • Rescue squad

Embroidered paramedic patches are also a great way to recognize certain accomplishments in the field. Creating your own custom patch for your particular squadron can help build team unity. Setting up a presentation ceremony and awarding special patches to those going above and beyond the call of duty is also a great way to show appreciation. These custom EMS/EMT patches also serve as additional motivational tools amount the squadrons.

If you are interested in learning more about our custom paramedic patches, contact us today!

Marine Patches - Just One Of Our Offerings For Marines

Saturday, May 1, 2010 by Michael Meador

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is one of seven uniformed services of the United States. Each day these fine men and women go to work for our country and we are honored to be able to produce recognition items that honor their efforts. One of the most important pieces of their identity is the uniform. In addition to items such as custom lapel pins, mini-badges and Marine challenge coins; we can also create custom embroidered marine patches to honor your squadron or even the retired marine in your family.

Whether you are a Private or Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, we can create a custom piece that will be made to your liking. We can provide patches for:

  • Helicopter Squadrons
  • Combat Air Crew
  • Fixed Wing Squadrons
  • Air Stations
  • Marine Bases
  • Marine Ships
  • Fleet Marine Force

Contact us today for more information on how to get started on your custom marine patch layout.

Challenge Coin History - An In Depth Look

Wednesday, April 21, 2010 by Michael Meador
Challenge coins are often used by police and military to certify unit members. These custom coins have been called different names over the years such as unit coins or commander coins. The importance of these coins does not lie in the name; it lies in what they represent. To many, these coins stand for hard work, friendships and memories. A specific memory or set of memories are typically associated with each unit’s custom challenge coin set and the coins help ensure the memories are not lost. We have touched Airfoce-Challenge-Coinsbriefly on the history of challenge coins with our video blog post and When Where and Why Challenge Coin post, but let’s take a closer look into the full history today.

There are several different stories on how the challenge coin originated, but one of the most commonly held views is that the tradition began in the United States Army Air Service. Air Warefare was still relatively new during World War I and most aircrafts were manned by people from an “everyday” walk of life. A wealthier lieutenant ordered small bronze medallions or coins which he gave to other pilots in his squadron to serve as a keepsake of their service together. The custom coin was gold-plated with the squadron’s insignia or logo. One of the pilots was so appreciative of the coin that he put it around his neck in a leather pouch to keep it safe.


The story continues that this pilot’s aircraft was heavily damaged during the war and he was forced to land behind enemy lines. He was captured by the Germans and they took all of his belongings except for the challenge coin he wore around his neck. He was able to escape from the Germans and eventually made contact with French patrol. The French had mistaken him for a German due to the civilian outfit he was wearing as part of his escape from German capture. The French captors were prepared to execute the pilot as he was unable to identify himself. He finally thought to present the coin to the Frenchmen in hopes to confirm his identity. One of the Frenchmen recognized the insignia or logo on the coin and the pilot was able to safely return to his squadron.

Once the pilot returned to his squadron, it quickly became tradition for all members to carry their coin at all times. Other members of the squad would challenge each other to produce their coin. If the coin could not be produced, the challenger was owed a drink by the other member. (revised from Wikipedia entry - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin)

The tradition continues to grow and there are several rules of the “challenge” that exist among the coin’s history. The one thing that will stay consistent among all stories is the amount of pride members take in their coins and all the memories associated with them.

We provide custom challenge coin packaging and accessories for all of your challenge coin needs.  Check out our challenge coin & medals web page for more information.