Mattis: ‘I’m saving money for bombs’ instead of tokens of gratitude for troops

TheHill ^ | 12/.31.2017 | Julia Manchester

[Daffynition]

Defense Secretary James Mattis said he does not carry tokens of gratitude to hand out to U.S. troops, saying “I’m saving money for bombs.”

Mattis made the comment to Breitbart News after a reporter relayed a message from a U.S. Marine who asked whether the secretary was carrying challenge coins during a trip to an international terrorism conference in Jordan earlier this year.

[Daffynition]

[Mathews]

Oh please... As a 20 year vet, I can say Mattis’ response was probably the best one ever. Challenge coins are cool, but just meeting the man would suffice.

[grobdriver]

instead of tokens of gratitude for troops

Julia doesn't have a clue about the what/when/why of challenge coins.

[rlmorel]

I kind of agree. I like the concept of melting a bunch of challenge coins into a anti-personnel fragmentation munition...and using it on people who deserve it.

[Thibodeaux]

many years ago, my Navy Civil Engineer corps commander boss gave us Zippo tape measures with the command logo etched on the side.

The logo paint is gone and there are brass areas showing through the silver in places. I have had the tape replaced by Zippo for free three times.

[rlmorel]

Now, I like that! Never heard of those, but I like the concept...like a zippo lighter, but a tape measure instead of a lighter?

That is too cool...

[rlmorel]

I immediately went and looked for them, but...apparently they don’t make them anymore. Damn it...those would be great gifts for some people I know.

Most guys I know love the construction and feel of a Zippo lighter, but...don’t smoke, so it would be wasted space in their pocket.

But if they could get the look and feel of one with a useful tape measure...THAT would be excellent.

I may have to buy a bunch off of Ebay...

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Napoleon was criticized for giving “toys” to his soldiers; Napoleon replied that “Men are ruled by toys."

[Daffynition]

**Napoleon took very good care of his Guard, particularly the Old Guard, and the Old Guard Grenadiers were known to complain in the presence of the Emperor, giving them the nickname Les Grognards, the grumblers.**

[Fast Moving Angel]

I like the concept of melting a bunch of challenge coins into a anti-personnel fragmentation munition...and using it on people who deserve it.

Great idea!

[rlmorel]

I have a suspicion many of our Active Duty friends in places where they are being shot on would much rather do this than have a coin given to them!

[PC LOAD LETTER]

I agree. While I think the concept is pretty cool, all they do is end up on ebay.