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Message:: [QUOTE="Jwt708, post: 2528598, member: 32619"]I still think it's too much of a stretch to equate challenge coin collecting with stolen valor. I have strong feelings about someone putting on a uniform, rank, or a medal they did not earn for the sake of deceiving others. If someone purchased a challenge coin for the sole purpose of lending credibility to their fictional military service, then yes, I am opposed to that. If a civilian is interested in the growth, deployment, and current state of the 27th Special Operations Wing expressed through challenge coins - so what? I specifically gave Ken (green_18) those coins because he expressed an admiration for the men and women in uniform and a general interest in those coins. The 51st Maintenance Squadron was selling those coins as a way to generate revenue for squadron functions that are not considered official such as holiday parties. Anyone can buy those types of coins. I bought the coin and gave it to Ken because I knew he would cherish it and enjoy it in his collection. Heck, most of my challenge coins fall into this category of "unit coin." I get that they're not the same as ones earned but they serve as an attractive way to illustrate my career. In fact my challenge coin collection was my first coin collection. They tell my story starting with basic training, to my technical school, first duty station, first deployment, heck first drinking buddy, and so on.[/QUOTE]