BLG Flooring Crafts Commemorative USAF Challenge Coins: A Testament to Precision and Patriotism

BLG Flooring LLC, based in Troutdale, Oregon, isn't your typical flooring company. While we're known for delivering top-notch flooring solutions – think beautiful hardwood, durable laminate, and stylish vinyl – we also have a knack for precision manufacturing that extends to crafting high-quality, custom challenge coins. And recently, we’ve been proud to partner with various USAF units to create truly special commemorative coins. You might be thinking, “Flooring and challenge coins? What’s the connection?” Well, it’s all about the skillset. At BLG Flooring, we’re masters of detail. Installing flooring flawlessly requires precision cutting, careful alignment, and a commitment to quality – the exact same things that go into making a stunning challenge coin. We realized our manufacturing capabilities and dedication to craftsmanship could be applied to a whole new level of detail - creating coins that really mean something. The USAF Challenge Coin: A Tradition of Excellence For those unfamiliar, challenge coins are a deeply rooted tradition within the US Armed Forces, particularly the Air Force. They're more than just commemorative pieces; they represent a unit’s pride, camaraderie, and shared accomplishments. Historically, these coins were exchanged as a symbol of membership or as a token of respect, often carrying a powerful story behind them. They’re carried by service members, presented to recognize achievements, and serve as a constant reminder of the bonds forged in service. The coins we create for the USAF aren't just stamped-out metal. We work closely with each unit to capture their specific identity and history in every detail. From the unit patch and motto to significant dates and imagery, every element is meticulously crafted to create a coin that's truly unique. What Goes Into a BLG Flooring USAF Challenge Coin? We don’t just make coins; we build them, paying attention to every single aspect: Design Collaboration: We begin by understanding the story behind the coin. What does this unit stand for? What accomplishments are they celebrating? We work with unit representatives to refine their ideas, suggest design options, and ensure the final artwork perfectly reflects their vision. We take everything from rough sketches to fully fleshed-out digital concepts. Material Selection: We use only high-quality metals – typically brass or zinc alloys – ensuring durability and a premium feel. We can offer a range of finishes, including polished gold, silver, antique bronze, and even black nickel, allowing units to choose the look that best represents them. Precision Die Striking: Forget cheap, cast coins. We use a die-striking process, which involves pressing the design into the metal with tremendous force. This results in a crisper, more detailed design with a substantial weight and feel. You can feel the quality. Color Filling (Optional): For units that want to add an extra pop of color, we offer professional enamel filling. Our skilled artisans carefully apply enamel to recessed areas of the coin, creating vibrant and long-lasting color. We offer both hard enamel (smooth, polished finish) and soft enamel (textured, slightly raised finish). Finishing Touches: We offer a variety of finishing options, including polishing, plating, and texturing, to enhance the coin's appearance and durability. We can also add special features like cutouts, 3D elements, and sequential numbering. Quality Control: Every coin undergoes rigorous quality control inspection before it leaves our facility. We check for imperfections in the design, finish, and overall craftsmanship. We're not satisfied until it’s perfect. Beyond Aesthetics: The Meaning of a Custom Coin While a beautifully designed challenge coin is visually appealing, its true value lies in what it represents. For members of the USAF, a custom challenge coin is a tangible symbol of: Unit Cohesion: It fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among service members. Shared Sacrifice: It recognizes the challenges overcome and the sacrifices made in service to the country. Pride and Accomplishment: It commemorates significant milestones and achievements. Historical Legacy: It serves as a lasting reminder of a unit's history and traditions. BLG Flooring: More Than Just Flooring We’re proud to support the men and women of the USAF by crafting challenge coins that embody their dedication and bravery. While we’re still a flooring company at heart (and we’re really good at it!), we’ve expanded our capabilities to offer a unique and valuable service to the military community. If you’re a USAF unit looking to create a truly special commemorative challenge coin, we’d love to hear from you. Give us a call at 919-418-5531 or reach out via our website. Let BLG Flooring help you tell your story. We're located at 467 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale, OR, 97060-1429, and we're ready to get started! We don't just make coins; we craft legacies.