I had to update my “Coins Earned” section of ‘The Love and The Life of SN Reed’ page because after some recent thought, it was actually a second coin from the American Legion I was given by the parting commander of Post 41.

I struggle with a lot of inner conflict; that I only got to serve 3 years and that cumulatively I didn’t do a whole lot for the Navy. I know that’s not true, in fact, I did a lot in support for damn-near every branch of service.

Both of these coins I received at my A-school; seemed like ages ago. For those who aren’t familiar, coins are given from one servicemember/civilian to another in commemoration of an act or recognition of sorts. It’s often done at a ceremony or at least a muster/formation, but it could also simply be done in the sole company of the giver and recipient. The main tradition in the transfer of the coin is to have it centered in the palm of the hand, then placed in the recipient’s hand through the fluid gesture of a handshake. See example below:

So back to the aforementioned coins of mine, the first one I got in the summer of 2022 from an Air Force lieutenant colonel. Simply on my way home, I drove through the security checkpoint and the guard scanned my access card, but before I drove on up the hill, I noticed two soldiers walking back home. Here’s another visual to see the incline of their route to the barracks.

I have walked that path before, so I was eager to give them a ride. My car was a coupe, so I’d always have to open the door to let someone in the back seat.

We talked a bit as I drove them up to their barracks, I’d usually make small talk and see where it went. I pulled off at their destination and started on my own way home.

Suddenly, a car pulls up to my left with the window down and a man in uniform sternly confronts me if I had been giving them a ride. By the tone of his voice, I felt as though I had done something wrong and started to convey the notion that I didn’t mean to break any rules if that was the case. Then, in a polar opposite sentiment but with the same tone, he starts praising my action of giving those soldiers a ride to their barracks and how it reflects the true battle buddy spirit. I was still alarmed by his sternness but glad that he recognized me; he had been right behind me and saw the interaction himself that night.

The next morning, I stopped by his command post. He must have been waiting and watching in the window because as I was approaching the building, he pulled down the window and told me where to go. I came up around to a staircase where we met. He gave a few words before awarding me the purple/yellow coin above.

The other coin from the American legion was given to me by a former Coast Guardsman and longtime legionnaire. All the volunteering I did, company and patronage at the legion bar, and ….well yea mostly just the latter, earned me that little guy and I’ll never forget the good times I had a post 41 while stationed in Monterey.

Stolen valor is a big deal. I don’t claim to have done anything that I didn’t perform or sacrifice; if anything I downplay my service shy of 3 years. It sucks moose cock that my time in the Navy was cut short, but I know I need to move on because I only have one life. That’s a life I’m no longer spending in the military, but one I’m living free. It’s the very reason why I should enjoy it to the fullest because I can now say I contributed to the freedoms that Americans enjoy today, yesterday, and hopefully tomorrow evermore.