2023 Reunion/Grand Opening
Challenge Coin
WE WHO CAME HOME, MUST NEVER FORGET THOSE WHO COULD NOT
About the Coin
The coin is 2 inches round and is gold and silver plated with a wave-cut edge.
It is epoxy-coated like our standard Rat coin.
Front of the Coin
The museum side of the coin is attractive while at the same time being clean and simple. We attempted to pay homage to those who started the organization 55 years ago and recognize the museum's close relationship with Aviation Heritage Park, located in Bowling Green, KY. The aircraft depicted represent the broad area of those flown by River Rats.
A-6 represents the Marines
F-105 represents the Air Force
F-4 as they were flown by the Air Force, Navy, and Marines
F-8 represents the Navy
B-52 represents the bomber forces
No mission is complete without the Rescue Helicopter (with the HH-3 representing all helicopter ops) and the A-1 Sandy as an escort that covers all close support aircraft.
The POW/MIA logo completes the coin.
Back of the Coin
A more traditional River Rat-themed reunion-style look was selected for the back. The inner portion is our standard River Rat challenge coin with gold lettering on the banner. On the outer ring, the background is blue to represent the state of KY (the color of the KY state flag). Since the grand opening will be the 50th "Real Reunion," the event is commemorated on the coin. The Billy Sparks Kentuckiana Pack is the event's host pack, with help from others as we go on. We added the yellow ribbons (actually, they are the gold coin color) as they are a symbolic part of the River Rat history.
Outer Edge Wording
It was challenging to come up with words that meant so much to the Rats yet fit in the limited spaces.
* SHIT HOT * DEAD BUG * TAP CODE * BOLO * ROLLING THUNDER * MISTY
* NAIL * SANDY * JOLLY GREEN * LINEBACKER * MIG CAP * RAVEN * YGBSM *
Obtaining Your Coin
Everyone registered and attending the 2023 reunion in Bowling Green will receive this challenge coin.
Here is how to purchase your own coin before the reunion.
The 2023 reunion challenge coin cost is $17.00, which includes the S&H. Additional coins in the same order are $12.00 each, with no additional S&H fees. Overseas orders are calculated on a case-by-case basis, so contact us before ordering. If you want more than ten coins, wish to purchase other available challenge coins in the same order, or have any questions on ordering (or are overseas), contact Pontiff at Pontiff@river-rats.org. All proceeds go to the Museum fund.
1) Purchase online with the Purchase Coin button
2) Checks payable to "River Rats” and
send to :
Craig Pope
Billy Sparks Kentuckiana Pack
7716 Cambridge Ct.
Crestwood, KY 40014
If you have any questions, contact:
Craig “Pontiff” Pope
Billy Sparks Kentuckiana Pack LFC
502-548-2654
