While my dad was in the army he collected and gave out army coins. Special Branches, Ranks, or missions would get you an army coin that you can go and trade with people. While he was serving he was able to collect hundreds of these coins. These two are ones that he was given. He got them for being a Ranger, a cook, and for going to Iraq. They also will give out these coins to veterans at different places he has worked. He used to attach velcro on the back and hang them up in his barracks. Every male in my family has served in a branch of the military.  My Dads stepdad, my dads dad, and him all were in the army. Two of my cousins are currently serving in the marreins, and my moms dad was in the national guard. My family takes a lot of pride in serving their country and is a big part of my family's american identity. Serving and protecting the people of this nation is a big part of what it means to be an american. My parents are from Illinois in a town called grafton and were raised on corn fields. My parents were the first people in their families to go to college and he wouldn't have been able to go to college if it weren't for the army. After they are discharged my cousins will also be able to use their service as a way to pay for college that they otherwise wouldn't have been able to go to. It also taught my dad how to be a chief which provided him a job for 7 years after he got discharged. My dad continues to collect coins and has them all displayed in his office. His most notable ones are from one of Barack Obama's cabinet members. 

– MH

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more