Custom Challenge Coin of the Month- September 2015
379th Air Expeditionary Wing
September’s custom challenge coins were presented to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. This wing is the most numerous and diverse wing inside of the Air Force. They are responsible for providing support from above for Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel. This wing is referred to as where the “rubber meets the road” and they have lived up to this reference. The vastness of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing can only be truly fathomed through the numbers it supports. Well over 11,000 servicemen belong to this wing and it is estimated that every 10 minutes one of these pilots is either taking off or landing. Those who belong to this wing work 24/7 to ensure that it is combat ready and always able to respond to new orders at a moment’s notice.
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ith over 100 aircraft in service to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing the missions they take on are numerable. These servicemen provide humanitarian airlift when needed, provide combat power from the sky, and give aeromedical evacuation. When they are not serving in these capacities they provide air refueling to other aircraft, and gather intelligence vital to other military efforts.
The history and value behind the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is well honored by the quality and elegance of these custom military coins. Around the edges of these military challenge coins are the mottos of the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines are etched. Beginning in the top left is the official motto of the Navy “Non sibi sed patriea” which is Latin for “Not for self, but for country.” The Air Force motto “Above All,” is beautifully placed on the top of these custom challenge coins. “This we’ll defend,” the Army motto is also on the upper section of these military challenge coins. The last motto, resting on the lower section belongs to the Marines “Semper Fidelis” which is Latin for always faithful.
These are the top 3 branches of the United States military as the Marines are a subset of the Navy. The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing has served with and protected each branch of the top 3. Their service has been vital to the success of missions across the military board. The detailing, specifically the shading of these custom military coins, is so intricate that the challenge coin maker, Unit Coins, employed the use of photo inserts in order to properly capture every aspect and color. These military challenge coins inserts are protected by an epoxy dome to ensure that these custom coins are untouched by time and last for decades to come. The silver plating ideally compliments the elegance of the photo insert.
Custom Challenge Coins
The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing plays a crucial role throughout the United States military. Their patriotism and dedication to this country is clearly displayed in successful mission after successful mission. They are held in high esteem throughout every branch of the military. The tradition of these custom challenge coins honors the service of these proud soldiers. They have given more than asked for in service to their country and while these custom military coins may seem a small gesture the levity behind said military coins is great. The tradition of these military challenge coins began decades ago and is alive and well. The military believes in giving credit where credit is due and the tradition of these custom challenge coins upholds that belief.
