by Carri-Ann M. Gibson, MD and A. Michael Gibson
The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida has started a new Challenge Coin Program for the Veterans served in our Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Clinical Program.
The challenge coin has been an American military tradition for almost 150 years. All major campaigns, going back to the Civil War, show evidence of the use of the challenge coin. Today, each military coin symbolizes unit identity and shows the pride and lineage of belonging to such a unit.
The challenge coins were designed by Dr. Carri-Ann M. Gibson, a physician at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, and her husband, A. Michael Gibson, a graduate of the United States Military Academy and CEO of G2 Fuel Technologies. The program was funded by Peter Martin, CEO of Ameripack Inc., and the challenge coins were produced by Ben Baar, CEO of B&R Tactical Corporation. Retired Major General Hawthorne L. “Peet” Proctor, a Vietnam Veteran, brought all parties together to make this project possible.
For our Veterans with PTSD receiving mental health services, receiving the challenge coin upon completion of PTSD treatment acknowledges a Veteran’s journey to recovery and validates their struggles as well as their dedication to continue forward.
It is important for VA employees to understand and appreciate the meaning and value of a challenge coin. We hope that sharing this outstanding program within our VA community will lead to more VA facilities and PTSD clinical programs offering this valuable military tradition in recognition of those who have borne the battle.
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