The Sandbag Times Issue No:35

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Challenge Coins UK was established around 10 weeks ago by former serviceman, Tom Newey, after leaving the British Army. A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion (usually military), 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 addition, they are also collected by service members. In practice, challenge coins are normally presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They are also exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization. The origins of these coins go back to the days of the Roman Empire where soldiers were awarded coins for achievements in battle. Tom, the founder of Challenge Coins UK prides himself in the knowledge that he has served and is ideally suited to advise and assist his clients in the best possible way. Tom completed basic training at ATR Bassingbourn before joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and beginning training as an Aircraft Technician at Arborfield. Once trained Tom was posted to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps at Wattisham Airfield, an Apache helicopter unit. Whilst posted to 663 Squadron Tom completed a tour of Afghanistan in 2013 and spent long periods of time on exercise in America. Tom was introduced to the Challenge coins while on Ex Crimson Eagle in El Centro, Southern California. The American base was where the Blue Angels, US Navy aerobatic display team practice for their airshows. Some of their tech crews came over to meet the brits and engage in the traditional ‘Swap’ session. Tom was offered one of their challenge coins as a swap present but he had little to give in return and ended up giving some of his spare T Shirts. Although he felt this wasn’t enough his US counterpart was a happy man. However, Tom felt his unit needed a coin to swap with the Americans. (pictured bottom right) An initial batch of coins were made and sold in under two weeks! This was the start of his venture. When Tom returned to the UK his curiosity got the better of him and he Googled Challenge Coins. The result was Challenge Coins UK was born. Challenge Coins Uk have supplied coins to a number of units in their short time and has already received many acoulalions. The SSM of his old unit 653 Sqn AAC said “Tom, being ex REME, had worked in our Flying Squadron prior to his departure from the British Forces. He already had the reputation of a hard working individual, and admittedly from the very first phone conversation he did not disappoint. The service was exceptional. From the design to production phase, Tom provided regular updates on the coins progress and the finished product was A1. OC 653 Squadron was particularly impressed with the timelines and quality as they have surpassed all of the Squadron’s expectations. Our new ‘75th Anniversary Coin’ will be a valuable asset to our Squadron’s history! Thanks to Tom for his professionalism in providing 653 Squadron the perfect addition.” However it’s not just his old mob who have been impressed with his coins. The RSM of ARRC Sp Bn said “Right from the first phone call the service was excellent, our new ‘CO’s Coin’ was designed, approved and ordered within two working days, they were then delivered two weeks earlier than expected. So far the coin has been extremely well received and will continue to be part of the ARRC Sp Bn’s regime to congratulate our soldiers for their hard work. Thanks to Tom for his professional support in getting us the ideal product.” | 10 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk
Ath the moment Tom is very keen to promote his business through social media in the hope that he will eventually become the main supplier in the UK. Looking at his designs and the professionalism of the service, there is no reason why this wouldn’t happen. Yet again, Tom’s is perfectly placed to advise and assist his customers being ex-military himself. He feels he understands the requirements and needs to produce the highest standard possible. His company slogan is ‘Former Forces for the Forces’. The Tommy Atkins Centre, Worcester is also pleased to announce that Challenge Coins UK will also be supporting the Fit4Fan route march over the Brecon Beacons where two veterans will take on the SAS’s notorious selection route march, The Fan Dance. Both will be wearing the Challenge Coins UK patch for the event. If you have an event coming up, why not contact Tom at Challenge Coins UK to wear the patch. Also, the challenge coins themselves are an ideal way of commemorating that charity event you may be organising. To order coins simply go to the website and click ‘Get Started’. tab. The order form is easy to follow and quck to fill in. Tom is all too happy to help with orders, using his expertise and military knowledge to get the perfect result. There are no delivery fees or any other hidden extras with ordering from Challenge Coins UK meaning the prices quoted on the websites are the prices you pay. To find out more about Challenge Coins UK, just go to their website at www.challengecoinsuk.com or find him on facebook. Tom’s Challenge Coins UK is a very unique business here in the UK and the SBT would like to wish him the very best of success for the future. www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 11 |
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