Site Maintenance going on right now...
Sorry about the login problems. Working on it as we speak.
Challenge Coins Are Here!!
COIN FRONT |
COIN BACK |
!!Order Your Coin Today!!
HISTORY OF THE CHALLENGE COIN
Shortly after acquiring the medallions, the pilot's aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he was without personal identification.
He succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, saboteurs had plagued the French in the sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. He had no identification to prove his allegiance, but he did have his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners and one of his French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion. They delayed his execution long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him they gave him a bottle of wine.
Back at his squadron, it became tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through challenge in the following manner - a challenger would ask to see the medallion. If the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued on throughout the war and for many years after the war while surviving members of the squadron were still alive.
Recent News
Our Squadron was chosen to receive the above awards for the year of 2008 based on our Cadet and Senior accomplishments.
Fireball Squadron Newsletter
Current and past editions of our squadron produced periodical.
Latest Edition
Drill Schedule
Current drill schedule for the quarter.Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation. Each squadron is responsible for raising its own funds. Donations are used for special events, assistance for cadet scholarships and various aerospace training, education and leadership programs.
To make a tax-deductible donation, please contact Captain Daniel Whalen at 360-520-9413 or email at whalenworks@gmail.com