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Show 75th coin iiono rs o utsfandino unit member: by Bill Orndorff Hilltop Times Editor Air Base Wing has minted two unit coins The 75th one for instilling pride and one for recog- nizing outstanding individuals. Designed by Kent Bingham, graphic artist with the 75th Communications Squadron, from an idea by Col. Ken Page, 75th ABW commander, and Capt. John Fraser, executive officer, the coins feature the 75th ABW logo, surrounded by the unit's identification. "The gear symbolizes the air base wing's support of Hill Air Force Base's host organization, the Ogden Air Logistics Center, with its missions of weapon systems management and maintenance," Fraser explained. "The white star and blue disk combine to form the traditional Air Force aircraft insignia, symbolizing the wings consciousness of its proud heritage. The yellow wing symbolizes the air base wing's commitment to supporting all aspects of military aviation. The stylized aircraft and their curving contrails represent the wing's support of both the base's critical wartime mission and the center's role in building the world's most respected air and space force." The unit coin bears the motto, "facta non verba" or "deeds not words," on the reverse side; "The motto was selected by Col. Page as a representation of the Wing's philosophy," Fraser said. "The back of the coin is a montage of various Utah, Hill, and Air Force symbols. The elements were selected to represent the wing's identity as an Air Force unit (eagle) , located in Utah (mountains, Delicate Arch rock formation) , and supporting Hill AFB (missile, plane)." the colors aren't on the bronze coin, yel-- , While signifies the excellence of the wing's perblue signifies the sky as the ultramarine sonnel, primary theater of the service's operations, and white represents the unselfish purity of that sacrifice, Fraser said. The unit coins are available for $5 in the wing command section and can be purchased by any wing member. The award coin is also available but harder to get. "The only way to acquire one is to have it presented Avoiding German patrols, he reached the front lines and crossed into land. Eventually, by the wing commander for exceptional performance," Fraser said. "The front is the same but the he stumbled onto a French outpost. Not recognizback has the winged star logo and the words 'star ing the young pilot's American accent, the French performer' surrounded by a border with 'presented thought him a saboteur and planned to execute him. Just in time, he remembered his leather pouch conby the Commander for superior performance.'" deservof those names should send the taining the medallion and showed it to his would-b- e Supervisors executioners. The French captors recognized ing an award coin through the chain of command to Page, Fraser said. There is no formal nomination the squadron insignia and allowed him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him, they gave him process or form. Military coins are made in antiqued bronze, pewter, a bottle of wine. became a squadron tradition to ensure that all silver, brass and other metals, and are usually 1 in carried their medallion or coin at all members 916 inches in diameter. The heavier coins are times. A challenge was developed where a squadron metal. When the coin tradition began varies from service member would ask to another member's coin. If the to service. The Army, in a 1994 Soldiers Magazine challenged could not produce his coin, he was article, traces U.S. military coins to the early 1960s required to buy a drink of choice for the member when a member of the 11th Special Forces Group who challenged him. If the challenged member protook old coins, had them overstamped with a dif- duced his coin, the challenging member was required ferent emblem, then presented them to unit mem- to pay for the drink. This tradition continued throughbers. A similar story, from the Air Force Reserve, out the war and for many years after while survivhad pesos filed smooth on one side and overstamped ing squadron members were still alive. rules have increased The "challenge-response- " with a unit emblem to help identify guerilla forces still over the in focusing on proving years, though fighting Japanese occupation of the Philippines the unit's coin. The rules 1944. The tradition is alsosaid to have started in membership by producing the Roman Empire, where coins were presented to also vary from unit to unit, and the unit's commander can change them at his discretion. Coin check rules reward achievements. version, set in World War I, says a include: An Air Force lieutenant ordered medallions struck The challenge is initiated by holding the coin in in solid bronze carrying the squadron emblem for the air and loudly stating that you're initiating a every member of his flying squadron. He himself coin check. Another, but less vocal method is to carried his medallion in small leather pouch around his neck. noisily and firmly place the coin on the bar, table or floor so it can be easily heard by those being Shortly after acquiring the medallions, the pilot's challenged. aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He landed behind enemy lines and was immediately Other organization's coins are invalid you must captured by a German patrol. In order to discourproduce a coin with YOUR unit's logo on it. age his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch Those that are challenged and unable to properly around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advanrespond must buy a round of drinks for the chal lenger and other group members. If everyone tage of a bombardment that night, he escaped though in the group responds correctly, the challenger he was still without personal identification. no-man- 10-gau- ge 's Star performers recognized by Page A1C Troy Reisner and A1C Ken Powers, both of the 75th Operations Support Squadron, were the first to receive star performer coins from Col. Ken Page, 75th Air Base Wing commander. The airmen were honored for using their y time to renovate their work area. off-dut- Others that have received the star performer coins are TSgt. Ramona Mayer, NCOIC of the Laborag tory; SrA. Gregory Pierce, Laboratory; Bill and A1C Jason Walters, 75th Transportation Squadron; Steve Penherwood, Outdoor Recreation; Ljubica Milligan, Hobson House; Mike Lucovitz, Hill Bowling Center; Tony Anthony, Hill Rod and Gun Club; Don Byington, Hill Aerospace Museum; and Capt. Bill Gerhard, 75th Communications Squadron. Cev-erin- -- , must buy a round. Failure to buy a round is a despi cable crime and will require you to turn in your coin. Coin checks are permitted any time, any place with no exceptions to the rules. They apply to those clothed or unclothed. At the time of the challenge you are permitted one step and an arms reach to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach it sorry about that! Coins attached on belt buckles are considered "belt buckles." Coins on key chains are considered "key chains." Coins placed in a "holderclasp" and worn around the neck like a necklace are valid and are considered a coin. |