Written by Deb Benson, Founder of Grateful American Coin
As America marks its 250th year, I’ve watched an appreciation for patriotism, service, and military tradition across the country. For nearly two decades, our Tampa Bay nonprofit has championed one of these traditions long before America250 became a national movement: the military challenge coin.
Challenge coins date back over a century, originating as tokens exchanged among service members to signify unit pride, camaraderie, and recognition. Historically passed hand-to-hand within military circles, the tradition stayed relatively niche outside of active-duty and veteran communities. With America250 celebrations putting a national spotlight on service, sacrifice, and civic pride, I’ve seen interest surge in tangible, meaningful ways to honor military service. Supported 100% by volunteers, our organization, Grateful American Coin, is positioned at the center of that resurgence.
A Local Founder, a National Mission
I’m a Tampa native and University of South Florida graduate, and I spent 36 years building a career at Verizon as a Project Management Professional. The idea for Grateful American Coin was born on July 4, 2007, when I brought my two young sons to the gate at MacDill Air Force Base to thank service members for their service and for protecting our freedoms. The experience left an impression on all three of us, and it led me to found a 501(c)(3)nonprofit built around a simple concept: give people a tangible way to say thank you.
What began as my family’s act of gratitude has grown into a nationwide mission to ensure America’s heroes know their service is appreciated.
Using the military tradition of challenge coins, Grateful American Coin, supported 100% by volunteers, has sold and distributed nearly 100,000 coins and donated more than $130,000 to organizations supporting wounded veterans and military families via our website, www.GratefulAmericanCoin.org.
Why the Timing Matters
We’ve been building this mission for nearly two decades, but now find ourselves with a timely tailwind. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, communities across the country are looking for meaningful ways to engage with patriotism, history, and service, and I believe our organization offers a home-grown example of exactly that kind of engagement.
As we celebrate our history, we have an opportunity to recognize the people who continue to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. For me, a challenge coin isn’t just a keepsake. It’s a conversation, a heartfelt thank you, and a lasting reminder that someone’s service has made a difference. If Grateful American Coin can inspire more people to pause, say thank you, and recognize the sacrifices made on our behalf, then we’re fulfilling our mission.
About Deb Benson
Deb Benson is the founder of Grateful American Coin, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that gives Americans a meaningful way to honor military service members, veterans, and their families. Inspired by a life-changing experience at MacDill Air Force Base in 2007, Deb transformed a simple lesson in gratitude for her sons into a mission that has distributed nearly 100,000 coins and donated more than $130,000 to veteran-focused organizations. As a Verizon Project Management Professional and nonprofit leader, Deb speaks on gratitude, patriotism, service, leadership, and preserving military legacy for future generations. Learn more at https://gratefulamericancoin.org/.
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