Santa Clara University Alumni and Secretary of Defense Leon Penetta presented over 150 “Sec Def Challenge Coins” yesterday and today during visits to Iraq and Afghanistan. The coins are a symbol of pride for military personnel with history dating back to the Army Air Corps during the World War I. The coins have long been a symbol of valued service and are highly coveted by military personnel.
Since World War I, carrying the coins has been a tradition and it has been believed that they help to keep a soldier safe. The Challenge Coins also became a game over the years where one soldier would “challenge” another soldier to produce their coin. If the challenged solider was caught not carrying his coin, he would have to buy the other soldier a drink. If the challenging soldier was presented with a coin, he would have to buy the drink. Over the years, variations of the game have evolved to include buying rounds of drinks as a result of a challenge.
Challenge Coins typically bear the insignia or emblem of a particular branch of the military or a special unit. The coins presented yesterday and today by Secretary of Defense Leon Penetta display a blue flag insignia with the words “Presented by the Secretary of Defense United States of America.” Penetta’s presentation was part of a surprise visit by the Secretary of Defense to Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan and to troops in Iraq. Penetta spoke with, and extended a heartfelt thank you to members of the 1-63 Dagger Brigade, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist brigade, 25th Infantry, 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team. Over 150 coins were presented during his visit.
To view photos of the Sec Def Challenge Coins, please click on the slideshow to the left of this article
