The Armed Forces Committee of Worcester County had its own Challenge Coin designed exquisitely by prior member Jim Collins.

One side of our coin displays America’s bald eagle. We chose the eagle because it is the emblem of the United States, and was selected because of the eagle’s long life, great strength and majestic looks. The eagle represents freedom and living as he does on the tops of lofty mountains, amid the solitary grandeur of nature.

On the reverse side of our challenge coin are the seals of each branch of service that the AFCWC honors: The Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Historically and within the military, a Challenge Coin is a small medallion, 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 Eagle became the National emblem in 1782 when the great seal of the United States was adopted. The Great Seal shows a wide-spread eagle, faced front, having on his breast a shield with thirteen perpendicular red and white stripes, surmounted by a blue field with the same number of stars. In his right talon, the eagle holds an olive branch, in his left a bundle of thirteen arrows, and in his beak, he carries a scroll inscribed with the motto: “E Pluribus Unum.” The Eagle appears in the Seals of many of our States, on most of our gold and silver coinage, and is used a great deal for decorative patriotic purposes.