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?
Every custom challenge coin we create has some type of meaning behind it. We get the opportunity to produce coins for all different types of people, but it’s always special when you have a client share with you first hand the story behind the custom coin you produce.
Today we wanted to share with you the story behind the Chance Phelps Foundation directly from Chance’s mother. We very much appreciate her giving us the opportunity to support this cause that gives back to veterans.
The Chance Phelps Foundation was founded in 2006, 2 years after the death of my son, LCpl Chance R. Phelps USMC, who died during combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
The picture on the face of the coin was originally painted by Chance's dad, artist/sculptor John R. Phelps for the "Faces of the Fallen" exhibit that was on display in Arlington, VA in 2005-2007.
The Chance Phelps Foundation helps veterans from WY and from across the US by assisting them in their endeavors after the rigors of combat. This started as a result of Chance's buddies coming to WY to pay their respects and visit our family shortly after his death. And it continues today. We can also assist in getting here to WY to enjoy our back-country, and also if needed help with continuing education and assistance to and from the VA for routine medical care.
The Chance Phelps Coin is another way to help our Foundation raise funds to help the foundation continue to help our veterans. We currently are planning for one major fund-raiser this summer, and continue this each year. CPF is currently on the Combined Federal Campaign list of non-profit charities that Federal employees can give to as well.
Our thanks to all of the public who have helped CPF and continue to help us reach our goal of helping our vets!
Gretchen Mack, President/Founder of CPF
and mother of LCpl Chance R. Phelps USMC, KIA 9 April 2004
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.
There are a lot of U.S. Marine challenge coins made from a variety of companies. That being said, while looking at these marine challenge coins, you will notice a large part of them look the same. They feature the U.S. Marine Corps Seal and not much more. While there is nothing wrong with having the seal as the main focus, we strive to create a unique, custom Marine challenge coin for our clients that incorporate a unique level of detail. Remember, there are two sides to every coin so you might as well use them both! Consider incorporating a personal trait on the Marine coin or recognizing their rank or unit. If that’s not enough read below for more information on our design ideas for you next custom Marine challenge coin.
We take a more creative approach to our custom challenge coin designs by implementing the following:
- Two-tone plating - both silver and gold plating in one coin - emphasize design details.
- Piercings in design also create emphasis and a unique appearance.
- Spinner coins with a fully 90 degree rotating center design element.
- Consider a unique custom shape... going beyond the expected circles and rectangles.
- Decorative coin edges, diamond cut, rope borders… all add distinction and enhanced value.
Contact us today to request a quote!
Challenge coins have become a popular item for all branches of the military, service clubs, organizations and departments. The challenge coin has a long tradition of symbolizing unity and providing recognition for fellow members.
“Coining” began in the ancient Roman army, where coins were presented as rewards. The history of the challenge coin dates back to the U.S. military in World War II. There are other undocumented stories of military coins in the early 1900’s, but we’ll focus on Soldiers Magazine’s version from their August 1994 issue.
In the early 1940s, a soldier in the 11th Special Forces Group (SFG), over-stamped some old coins with their emblem, and then gave them to unit members. The 10th SFG was the first to mint their own Special Forces challenge coin and remained the only unit with its own Army challenge coin until the 1980’s.
The military challenge coin tradition carries on today, but now almost every military unit creates its own custom challenge coin which every member carries. It identifies the soldier, sailor, airmen or Marine as a unit member and is a symbol of pride, respect and fellowship. Their revered symbols and mottos capture in metal the essence of their affiliation and fierce pride.
It is fascinating to watch a single batch of Special Forces challenge coins spread over the years to many different custom military coins, including Air Force challenge coins, Marine challenge coins, Navy challenge coins and USMC challenge coins. Even police departments, fire departments, service organizations, local clubs, universities, motorcycle clubs and poker tournaments now use custom coins. Not only are challenge coins a great fundraising tool and morale builder; they still provide the same recognition and appreciation they did in the Roman times.
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