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Band Uniform Industry starting NEW Tradition
Origin Like so many other aspects of military tradition, the origins of the challenge coin are a matter of much debate with little supporting evidence. While many organizations
and services claim to have been the originators of the challenge coin, the most commonly held view is that the tradition began
in the United States Army Air Service (a forerunner of the current United States Air Force). This tradition spread to other military units in all branches of service and even to non military organizations.
Today, challenge coins are given to members upon joining an organization, as an award to improve morale, and sold to commemorate
special occasions or as fundraisers.
Challenging The tradition of a challenge is the most common way to ensure that members are
carrying their unit's coin. Unfortunately, the rules of a challenge are not always formalized for a unit, and may vary between
organizations. The challenge only applies to those members that have been given a coin formally by their unit. This may lead
to some controversy when challenges are initiated between members of different organizations and is not recommended. The tradition
of the coin challenge is meant to be a source of morale in a unit, and forcing the challenge can cause a reverse effect.
Challenge Coins outside the Military The popularity of challenge coins are stretching
past the military. NASCAR, the NFL and World Series of Poker all have their own challenge coins. They are also becoming extremely popular with Police Departments, Fire Departments and Fraternal organizations. In 2007, the Utah Symphony and Opera gave challenge coins to all of its staff and musicians, making it the first symphony organization in America to embrace the
challenge coin tradition. Coins do not have to be given to someone to be called a Challenge Coin, as many non-governmental
organizations sell challenge coins to fundraise or promote their products or services.
Stanbury Uniform takes up the Challenge
Commencing in late 2009, Stanbury Uniform will be offering Challenge Coins as part
of their "Band Uniform" experience. Their "Challenge Coin" program promises to be an exciting part of
Band as well as encouraging a more active roll by members and their community. Coins can be used to trade like collectibles,
or used similar to the military, as a challenge. If a musician doesn’t have their coin on them, the musician that does,
challenges them to play their instrument? Or, a Band or Drum & Bugle Corp. can create their
own. And Challenge Coins are a great way for schools or groups to raise
money in support of their band! According
to ownership, Stanbury is proud to establish its leadership in the introduction of "Challenge
Coins" to the Band Uniform Industry! And Heartland Trim, Inc. is likewise proud to play such an important
role as supplying this new product to our customers.
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