The highest sacrifice of excellence one can make is laying downs ones life in service of country and fellow countrymen. In the military one of the ways excellence is symbolized by challenge coins.

The history of the challenge coin can trace back to World War II. Servicemen leave for battle with a coin from home in their pocket and keep it after the conflict as a memory of their wartime experiences

The challenge coin is typically carried at all times, and is awarded for excellence as gifts to dignitaries or civilian VIPs.

Tonya’s Challenge Coin Story

I was having dinner in a restaurant in Tooele, Utah when I was informed that the only female 4 Star General was having dinner in the same restaurant. I asked the owner of the restaurant if it would be possible to go to her table and meet her.  The owner relayed my request and it was granted. I approached the table and introduced myself and began to tell her about my passion for our military and the important work I wanted to do for our Fallen Warriors. The General listened intently to my story and as I was ready to say goodbye and excuse myself she took my hand and placed her Challenge coin in my hand. My knees buckled because I had just learned the day before the significance of what had just occurred. What I have learned through this amazing experience is this chance  meeting was divinely inspired and is a challenge issued to me through the hands of this General by God. I know without a doubt that I am supposed to press forward and rise to this challenge of preserving, protecting and honoring our Fallen Warriors.