A local military serviceman and law enforcement leader was honored with two special tokens of appreciation Thursday from Vietnam veterans.
Cheboygan County Sheriff Dale Clarmont accepted two challenge coins Thursday, one from the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 274 presented by its president, Duke Mayo, and one from the First Cavalry Division presented by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 274 member, Duane Swan.
The coins were presented to Clarmont as a way to recognize his contributions and efforts in assisting and working with the veterans organization.
“It really means a lot to me, coming from a veterans organization,” Clarmont noted.
Mayo thanked Clarmont for his support.
“You've helped us, and hopefully we can continue working together,” Mayo said.
This will add to Clarmont's significant collection of challenge coins, which numbers more than 100 and is displayed in his county sheriff's department office.
Challenge coins are small coins or medallions, usually associated with the military and bearing an organization's insignia or emblem and carried by the organization's members. Traditionally, they are given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale. In practice, challenge coins are normally presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit.
“They are considered coins of excellence; they are usually presented in an informal setting, for having gone above and beyond,” Clarmont explained. “They are designed to recognize excellence; the person receiving one has done an excellent job.”
The term “challenge” comes from the tradition of members carrying their coins and then “challenging” others by slapping or placing the coin down onto a table or a bar. Everyone being challenged must immediately produce the coin for their organization and anyone failing to do so is said to have to buy a round of drinks.
“If I am with my unit, and one of my soldiers challenges me and I don't have one on me, I would have lost the challenge,” Clarmont explained.
In addition, since most coins bear the rank of the person who issued the coin, if the challenger's coin “beats” the other coins with a higher ranking, it also leads to winning the challenge.
Clarmont has coins from all over the world, including from other armies in other countries. Coins come in many different finishes, ranging from simple pewter to 24K gold. Each is personalized with its source's insignia.