Here are two photos that I took at the Veterans Appreciation Parade this morning in Brooksville. I was able to give out eight Grateful American Coins to soldiers of Company C, 1/244 the Assualt Helicoper Battalion "The Privateers" (FL National Guard) who were there.

--- Benny Haimovitz   New Port Richey, FL

Some of the coins I purchased I sent to the sandbox (my girlfriend's son is a Marine); but one coin is reserved for a very special Veteran whom I just found out about. He fought with the 442nd RCT in WWII. Almost exclusively made up of Japanese Americans, they chose to fight for this country, even though their families were held in the internment camps. They are the most highly decorated unit of that size in WWII, and most likely, US Military history. This tiny unit was awarded at least 20 Congressional Medals of Honor, and a staggering 9,400+ Purple Hearts. Even though they were full American citizens (as were their families), they had to be better and fight harder than all other soldiers, to prove their patriotism. Truly amazing heroes. For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/442nd_Regimental_Combat_Team

--- Robert F.   San Francisco, CA

My Niece has a boyfriend who is a U.S. Marine. The family had a going away party for him (going to Iraq). Well I am glad I brought the Grateful American Coins to the cook out. All that I brought was simply distributed to his Marine Comrades. I must tell you being an Army Veteran it felt good to pass the coins out, since I never saw a conflict while I was in. These Coins that the Bensons designed are greatly appreciated.

--- Robert J. Gallagher Jr. U.S. Army Veteran   Medford, MA

My father retired from the Navy; my husband retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Air Force (B-52 pilot); my daughter-in-law served in the Marines and my youngest son has served in the Air Force 15 years this month. He has been deployed 7 times since 9-11 and has received 2 Bronze Stars. We are so proud of him and of all of our troops. I have forwarded your website to my entire email list. I hope you get many more orders. My 85 yr. old Mom just ordered 10 today. Keep up the good work. God bless you, God bless our troops and God bless the USA!

--- Linda Roy   Land O'Lakes, FL

My husband and many relatives are active duty right now and I worry about all of them. This is a great way to send them all a little token of my appreciation!! Thanks!!!

---Josie   Tampa, FL

As you know, we have purchased many coins from you. It has been such a pleasure to give these coins to others. Well, today, on Memorial Day 2008, Tom was coined!! He came home and said, 'You will never guess what happened to me today' Well, after a long weekend of functions that we participated in for Memorial day for our AmVets Post, he went to another function, and was coined. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that this is all coming together. And from one grateful American, I want to say Thank You to ALL of our Veterans, those for serving in the past and those who are currently serving. God Bless you all.

---Tom and Rose Gates   Valrico, FL

I was at grocery store and saw a tiny old man who had to be at least 85 years old sitting on a bench.   He had a World War II hat on and was smiling at everyone as they walked past.   Thank God I had my US Army jacket on with my last coin in the pocket.

I paid for my groceries and walked up to him and handed him my coin and could barely speak I was so overcome with emotion.   I thanked him for his "Greatest Generation" service to America.   He apparently had noticed my Army jacket before I noticed him and told me that's why he waited at the store.   HE wanted to thank ME! He said he is so thankful for everyone who has served or is serving today and that it gives him hope that when he's gone, his grandchildren (who are probably my age!) will live in a better country.   This was by far the best experience I have had with the coins.   It made my day and will always be with me!!!

---Todd Waldo   New York

Last evening, a friend and I were shopping at a department store when I saw a tall gentleman dressed in military fatigues.  I remembered I had a coin in my purse waiting for the perfect opportunity.  I dug through my purse and having found it, went searching for my soldier.  I found him a few aisles over and approached him.  With a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart, I introduced myself and explained that I am a grateful American and wanted to thank him for keeping us safe and serving our country.  He, with a huge smile, responded back "My pleasure."  I told him I had been waiting for the perfect time to give this coin away and he was it.  Again, he exclaimed, "My pleasure and thank you."  I said, "no, thank YOU!"

It was awesome.  It was my first coining; but it definitely won't be my last.

---Julie Hellman   Brandon, FL

To all that have and are participating in this great effort, first and foremost I would like to say thank you.

Two days ago I was driving from MacDill AFB after work to go home for the night.   A few miles from the base there were protesters with signs.   The only thing I said to myself as I passed by was "I do what I do so that you have the freedom to do what you do."

I have never told anyone to support the conflicts we endeavor, but put those feelings aside and remember the troops.   Instead of the negativity, try something positive.   

Prior to today (March 28 2008) I have never heard of nor seen one of these coins.   On my way to work (in uniform) I was at a gas station in Brandon, FL getting a cup of coffee.   A lady came up to me and politely said "excuse me" , then proceded to thank me while holding out her hand.   At first I thought it was to shake my hand, but then I realized as she shook my hand, there was a coin.

I was speechless, and the only thing I could say in return was "Thank you, this means a lot to me."  It didnt really hit me until I got into my car and drove off.   Today I have shared this with everyone at work and am looking get more individuals involved.

To the kind-hearted lady this morning, I would like to say thank you, you have touched my heart and although I am proud of what it is I do in the United States Army, today I am more proud not just as a soldier, but as an American.

Thank You!

---MSG Samuel K. Colon-Escobar   Valrico, Florida (Tampa)

What a great way to extend our gratitude to the great men & women of our services (past and present).   My wife and I recently wondered out loud "what more can we do?" These coins can touch so many people.   So many of us have or know of a veteran in our lives.   After speaking with the co-creator of this wonderful idea, Deb Benson, I could feel the same excitement and commitment she has for this cause.   As I'm sure she will agree, this is the very least we, as grateful Americans, can do and to let them know that "your sacrifices do not go unnoticed".   Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world.   Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."   From reading the other posts I can see how a small token of our appreciation can go along way.

---Rodney Richardson   Dover, Delaware

I can't thank you enough for starting Grateful American Coin.   I purchased coins and had the opportunity to "Coin" a soldier this past weekend.   What a fantastic feeling to help a great cause by buying a coin and then the awesome feeling of giving one of these extraordinary coins.

I took my family to San Antonio this past weekend and while looking in different shops on the river-walk, I was carrying one of my kids, holding a drink, pushing a stroller and struggling with a stubborn door.   Just then, a cane tip was quickly inserted into the door jam and held the door open for my family and I to pass.   When I looked up to thank the person on the other end of the cane, I discovered that a soldier was responsible for this random act of kindness.   A soft-spoken young man, head still shaven and sporting a prosthetic leg.    I really wanted to thank him, not just for helping with the door; but thank him for staying awake so my family could sleep in peace and thank him for sacrificing his leg so that so many could keep theirs.   I reached in my pocket and retrieved the Grateful American Coin and handed it to him.   I told him that I was one of the millions of Grateful Americans and I just wanted to say thanks.   His eye filled up with tears and he shook my hand and said "Thank you! You don't know how much this means to me."

---Mikeal R. Morgan   Cypress, Texas

Americans never understood the definition of a true American soldier until Desert Storm.   I never knew of a true American until September 11.   As a C-5 Galaxy crew member at Dover for over 18 years I know what our spouses endure.   My heart goes out to our fallen and in recovery.   I will continue to be a part of our missions to provide support to our troops and bring home the fallen with dignity and honor.   Thank you.

---James Blake   Camden, Delaware

I am making a surfboard for Brian Koflage , a US soldier wounded in IRAQ.   Brian lost both legs and a hand.   He is a very brave man who longs to get back in the surf.   He grew up surfing in Hawaii and wants to come home.   He presently lives in Arizona.   I am a big supporter of our military and hope they all get home safe.

---Kimo Greene - Owner - Kimo Greene Surfboards   Haleiwa, Hawaii

We sincerely hope that more and more people will purchase these coins.   The support of our military is essential and these coins are a wonderful way to show them that we appreciate what they are doing for us and our country.   Thank you and God Bless you.

---Tom & Rose Gates   Valrico, Florida

I handed a coin to a very young man at the airport who was being deployed for service.   He waited for his plane with his mother and father.   I approached him and presented him with a coin as he tried to take in my gratitude.   His mother began to cry.   Both parents were obviously emotional considering the situation.   I walked away after a few pleasantries hoping to have added a lift to their spirits that morning and ensure he knew he was appreciated.

---Dan, Lake Worth, FL

I brought coins to the UF-FSU football game hoping the pilots from the fly over would watch the game from the sidelines.   Upon seeing them enter the field, I walked down to the wall and called a pilot over to present him with a coin.   He proceeded to call the other airmen over for me to thank each of them for their service.   One pilot then presented me with two Air Force patches.   It was as exciting as the football game.

---Betty, Tampa, FL

I bought 10 coins to give to armed forces to thank them for all Americans that appreciate what they do to keep us safe.

The first coin I gave was to Chief Edward E. Bartels, USCG. I was travelling in Tampa and saw several men in uniform. I walked up and shook hands with one and said, "I AM A GRATEFUL AMERICAN AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO".   He said, "YOU ARE WELCOME." He stated he was based out of Camp Lejeone, NC and was in Tampa for a Special Services conference.   He then asked what I do.   I told him I worked for Verizon Wireless out of Jacksonville.   Chief Bartels then said his daughter worked for Verizon Wireless in NY.   Small world.   I handed him the coin.   I had tears in my eyes because I could tell he loves his job and loves America.   To know that Grateful American Coin was started by a Verizon Wireless employee and that the 1st coin I gave out was to the father of a Verizon employee was a sign that the world is small and we all touch each other.

I can't wait to give out my 2nd coin!

---Kathleen Clark   Jacksonville, FL