RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio -- Receiving a coin, from a Commander or Chief, in recognition of outstanding performance has been a long standing tradition within the military.
Now, Airmen are putting their own twist on this tradition with the Airman-to-Airman coin; Coins that allow Airmen to recognize other Airmen.
A total of 100 individually numbered coins have been created and put into circulation Air Force wide since it was adopted from the Guard Enlisted Field Advisory Council. The 121st Air Refueling Wing has the honor of receiving two numbered coins to pass along, number 58 and 80.
To begin the circulation of these coins through the wing, the Chief’s Council has selected Master Sgt. Kristin Bandy, with the 121st Medical Squadron and Tech. Sgt. Josh Sparks, with the 121st Maintenance Squadron.
Bandy received coin number 80 for her efforts in improving the Airmen’s experience in the medical clinic. She was able to reduce clinic wait times by 35 minutes and cut the initial flight physical process by about 150 days.
“To be picked among my peers for this coin is such an honor,” said Bandy. “I am humbled and very honored knowing the times I’ve stayed late, the traveling and all the hard work I have put in has not gone unrecognized.”
Sparks received coin number 58 for aiding multiple squadrons across the Wing with the design and application of stencils and decals to enhance the work areas and create esprit de corps.
These Airmen are now tasked to continue the new tradition by passing it along to another Airman who does something exemplary.
“I plan to hold on to the coin for a few months to find the right Airman here at the 121st,” said Bandy. “I want to pick an Airman that will take pride in receiving the coin and honor the new tradition. I think this is an amazing way for Airmen to recognize the efforts of their peers.”