She was there. Report from Iraq

12/6/03

[ThePointer]

I just received this in an email. I am sorry if it was already published, I thought it was a great story.

[gcruse]

What a great read! Thanks for posting.

[ikka]

He reached into his pocket and took out a coin. He told the President: ‘I ate Thanksgiving dinner with your father in Kuwait 10 years ago right before we jumped, and I gave him one of these. Now I want you to have this one.’ The President grabbed him and gave him a huge bear hug- flashbulbs popped. So if you see a picture of the President hugging some random old guy, that’s General Tant. Have to find out more about the coin…there has to be more of a story there….

I have heard that some divisions have their own "regimental coin" which is given out as a sign that you are a friend of theirs. This could be what it is.

[basil]

Thanks for posting it. I enjoyed every word!

[r9etb]

Is it appropriate to put the author's personal e-mail address on this?

[Old Sarge]

I missed seeing all but replays of The CINC's visit. I eagerly read every account.

Thanks.

[Valin]

Consider yourself flagged.

[ThePointer]

Is it appropriate to put the author's personal e-mail address on this?

I don't think she would mind. But you are correct, it's best if I don't make those kind of assumptions. Maybe the moderator can remove it for me.

Thanks!

[Old Sarge]

I have heard that some divisions have their own "regimental coin" which is given out as a sign that you are a friend of theirs. This could be what it is.

That's EXACTLY what it is. The Commander's Coin is a symbol of respect, and a job well done. It's a big recognition for a soldier, getting a coin.

And now GWB's got his, like his father before him. Magnificent!

[ken5050]

Who knew the former UN Sec-General had joined the US Army?

[Pan_Yans Wife]

ping

[Lijahsbubbe]

. By helping to build a peaceful and democratic country in the heart of the Middle East, you are defending the American people from danger and we are grateful.

Reiterating the strategic plan the President told us of in his post 911 speech. Thank you. great article!

[proud American in Canada]

what a great post. Thanks for sharing it!

[hobson]

Do they carry extra coins to give away?

[kayak]

Thanks for posting this well-written account of the President's trip. The author has a way with words!

[DrDeb]

AWESOME e-mail -- thank you for sharing it!!

[Pan_Yans Wife]

ping

Hmmmm.... is the author Michael Ledeen's daughter?

[ASA Vet]

The Commander's Coin is a symbol of respect

Right you are.
I was given a 207th MI Bde "commander's coin," which I will always treasure.

The other type of coin is called a "challenge coin,"
although in some units the commanders coin is also their challenge coin.
Never be in a drinking establishment without one unless you like buying the rounds.