VA Challenge Coins: Year Three!
Donation protected
How time flies. Believe it or not, this Veterans Day marks our third year raising money for veteran "challenge coins" at the VA Loma Linda!
Two years ago, we launched our first campaign to fund the making of five custom-designed coins for the Substance Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Program at the VA. Thanks to the generous donations of benefactors like yourself, we raised over $2900 by Veterans Day, and by year's end STAR's very first challenge coins were ready.
In 2017, a second campaign was established to fund the creation of a new coin, specifically designed for STAR's new PTSD treatment program, known as STRIPE. The coin has earned rave reviews among veterans, who say it's one of the best designs they've seen.
Challenge coins may be small, but within the military they convey a powerful message. The STAR and STRIPE coins serve not only as recognition for each phase of treatment completed, but as an incentive for veterans to remain in recovery. Since their introduction, retention in the STAR Program has increased...and veterans proudly show off their coins as a symbol of sobriety, pride, and courage. It's not uncommon to hear a vet say, "I want to earn them all."
STAR's monthly "Challenge Coin Ceremony," where veterans proudly receive their coins in the presence of family, friends and peers, is now an established tradition within the program. To date, over 500 coins have been awarded, covering all phases of treatment. But as the supply gets depleted, new coins must be ordered. That's where STAR needs our help.
Hopefully the tradition can continue for years to come...but only with your financial support. The STAR Program at Loma Linda receives no VA funding for its coins. It is WE who make this a reality—a meaningful show of gratitude to the brave men and women who served our country. So if you are able, we invite you to show your appreciation with a donation for Veterans Day.
Thank you again for your generous support of this continuing GoFundMe project. And remember to please donate by NOVEMBER 11, in time for Veterans Day 2018!
Two years ago, we launched our first campaign to fund the making of five custom-designed coins for the Substance Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Program at the VA. Thanks to the generous donations of benefactors like yourself, we raised over $2900 by Veterans Day, and by year's end STAR's very first challenge coins were ready.
In 2017, a second campaign was established to fund the creation of a new coin, specifically designed for STAR's new PTSD treatment program, known as STRIPE. The coin has earned rave reviews among veterans, who say it's one of the best designs they've seen.
Challenge coins may be small, but within the military they convey a powerful message. The STAR and STRIPE coins serve not only as recognition for each phase of treatment completed, but as an incentive for veterans to remain in recovery. Since their introduction, retention in the STAR Program has increased...and veterans proudly show off their coins as a symbol of sobriety, pride, and courage. It's not uncommon to hear a vet say, "I want to earn them all."
STAR's monthly "Challenge Coin Ceremony," where veterans proudly receive their coins in the presence of family, friends and peers, is now an established tradition within the program. To date, over 500 coins have been awarded, covering all phases of treatment. But as the supply gets depleted, new coins must be ordered. That's where STAR needs our help.
Hopefully the tradition can continue for years to come...but only with your financial support. The STAR Program at Loma Linda receives no VA funding for its coins. It is WE who make this a reality—a meaningful show of gratitude to the brave men and women who served our country. So if you are able, we invite you to show your appreciation with a donation for Veterans Day.
Thank you again for your generous support of this continuing GoFundMe project. And remember to please donate by NOVEMBER 11, in time for Veterans Day 2018!
Organizer
Edith Becker
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA