October 2018 ~ Volume 61

Historian Nicholas Rogers, exploring the origins of Halloween, notes that while "some folklorists have detected its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which comes from the Old Irish for 'summer's end‘.

Right After Halloween? VOTE

DODGES THOUGHTS

Greetings once again from Missouri!

Last month I had talked about how to use the internet to find information on state parks and national forests. Well, I’ve decided to share some of these trips I have found , and the history that

applies to the areas I will be visiting , and have I got a treat for you all this month! This is a place close to my area called Hickory Canyon in Ste. Genevieve, Mo. In my teen age years, I did visit this

place a couple times. I never really could remember how to get back there after 20 years. Roads look different now then what they did back then for one thing. Now the road is paved and is not as

rough as great grandma’s wash board. The parking hasn’t changed much. The place is small, right off the side of a quiet county road, enough parking for perhaps a dozen cars. But what lies ¼ of a

mile back in these woods is a hidden paradise.

THE TRAIL

The trail is rated as moderately difficult according to the entrance sign and Missouri Dept of Conservation. I can tell you from my experience that unfortunately it’s not for you if you are not sure

footed. There are alternate trails you can take, but they are all pretty rough. It is not handicap accessible in any way. The path is not marked with any kind of markers either, and is hard to follow in

spots if you are not an experienced hiker. There are some STEEP cliffs around this trail. If you get spaghetti legs when you see heights then you should stop at the waterfall and not go around. But

that’s not what I’m all about. I came here to climb all over this place and see some of the beauty this country had to offer. And boy was it worth it!

In the beginning part of the trail about 50 yards in the trail it splits. The path to the right leads to the top right of the grand waterfall. Yes, I said waterfall! One of three wet weather waterfalls that

are exceptionally clear. I wouldn’t be afraid to drink it, it’s that clear! The path to the left leads to the base; into the bottom of the entire canyon. If you did decide to brave the path leading around

up the next side, that is where the path gets narrow and you gotta think like a billy goat, get skinny, and don’t look down. Just kidding, it’s not that bad but I will get to a neat little overhang that’s

over there later in this read.

THE FOLIAGE AND LANDSCAPE

Best described by www.visitstegen.com , Hickory Canyon is a Lamotte sandstone feature that formed box canyons from sandy beaches of a shallow ocean that existed here 500 million years ago.

Over time, weathering and erosion along with uplift from the Ozark Plateau exposed the sandstone- creating what we see today. In the cold winter months, Icicle hang from the cliff walls and

sparkle in the sun like silver tinsel from a Christmas tree. The area is botanically rich, containing what is called glacial relics. In other words, species more common to Missouri during the last ice age

12,000 years ago. During that time the climate has warmed, forcing some species to inhabit microclimates (such as Hickory Canyon) that mimic the cool, moist conditions of glacial times. These

ancient glacial relics include hay-scented fern, fir club moss, and winterberry .

The woods were fairly dense and full when I and fellow Watchmen of America members visited in early September. We didn’t have to worry much about poison ivy, oak, or sumac along the trails.

As described by mdc.mo.gov , the bottoms are defined by what is termed as a mesic sandstone forest, a trait uncommon naturally no doubt in Missouri, which could be part of the reason. The

forest is dominated by northern red oak, white oak, and sugar maple. There is also dry mesic forest along the upper slopes and around the trail head. This is where you will find shortleaf pine,

white oak, black oak, blackjack oak, scarlet oak, post oak, and mockernut hickory. Other trees and shrubs found in this 280 acre area include azalea, dogwood, farkleberry, and ironwood. Aside

from the breath taking 100 ft cliffs, there are a couple neat rock overhangs you can duck under if it starts to rain on you.

THE WATERFALLS AND WATERWAYS

Certainly the main attraction of this wonderfully laid out reserve are the waterfalls. The grand waterfall is like

something you would seem to only see in pictures or imagination. It is absolutely beautiful. Of course they are more

robust after a good rain. There is a pair of runoff creeks join together at the top to form it. I went in the afternoon

after a good rain of about an inch. One thing I noticed was the water was exceptionally clear. Between the rocks,

sand, moss, and more sandstone the water ran across; it must have acted as a natural water filter. There were three

other smaller ones we found after the large waterfall. As you scale along the steep cliffs and a large overhang that is

around the bend to the right, you come into view of the second waterfall.

This tall overhang fall reminded me somewhat of a shower area like you’d see in a movie about being lost on a

tropical island. The pool was suprisingly deep at the base. I didn’t get in due to the fact I hate freezing cold water,

however a good 5 feet was observed. This would be a great place to hit in the summer months if they always ran like

this! As you are standing at the base of this one, there is a smaller one to the left. The trail led us up to look down

apon these two sights. It was another fantastic view of the canyon. There was a steep climb up to get to the top of

the ridge. As you followed the ridge back around, you would see another small waterfall as it leads to the top of the

grand waterfall.

This is where it all really took me in awe. As I stood at the top of this majestic work of natural art, I was stunned to

look down and see how small everything is where I just was. How amazing it was to see how it all comes together in

this small canyon to preserve an ecosystem that existed here long, long ago. It may be only a ¼ mile hike, but you’ll

want to spend more than just an hour, and a fully charged camera battery. This is one exciting, jam packed little

hike. I would like to visit there again in the fall when the leaves drop to get a better view of the entire canyon.

OVERVIEW

I have to give this place a lot of credit for it’s potential, and for staying a secret. There’s really not many people

around here that know of the place. Granted, I knew about it when I was a kid, I still needed a refresher on how to

get there, so thank you Missouri Dept of Conservation website and the Ste Genevieve website for being there with

the directions. Not to mention, there is a mile hike on the opposite side of the road called Willow Springs. I look

forward to visiting the area soon again to check out the other side again also to remember some of my high school

days. Hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I enjoyed the hike. Always stay safe, stay vigilant, stay active!

Sign, Dodge

OCTOBER IS FOR HALLOWEEN

DECORATING

For those of you who've been in the Watchmen for a while, know the

story of my color wheel. Well I got to thinking that seeing it's October

and with that Halloween, I would like to share some decorating idea's

with you and your family. So pull up a table, gather the children and lets

get crafty.

It's always sad to know that you've spent a lot of money on a pumpkin

that once it's craved, won't last until the 31st. So rather than cut into the

pumpkin, lets decorate the outside shall we???? - Remember to get your

children involved. Take them out shopping and let them have fun

selecting these items so they can make it themselves.

Lamp Lady Pumpkin

1 LARGE PUMPKIN

1 SET OF BEADS

1 LAMP SHADE

1 PAIR OF LIPS (IF

YOU CAN'T FIND

1 PAIR GLASSES (DOLLAR STORE)

THEM – USE LIPSTICK – IT WON'T

1 PAIR KITCHEN DOOR KNOBS (earrings)

WASH OFF OR PAINT)

1 PAIR OF KITCHEN DOOR KNOBS (eyes)

Assemble

Lay the pumpkin down so that the stem is facing you. Insert the kitchen knobs for the

eye's and ear rings

Have you parents drill two small holes so that the glasses will insert into the pumpkin

Put the beads or tie the beads to the eye glasses and then insert into the holes

Insert your lips if you have them, and if not, draw them on and then use lipstick or paint

Cover your pumpkin lady with the lamp shade

If you unable to find knobs that look like eyes, remember you can use paint as well*

Man Pumpkin

1 LARGE PUMPKIN

1 PAIR OF MEN'S GLASSES (DOLLAR STORE) I USUALLY BY SUN GLASSES*

1 LAMP SHADE (IF YOU CAN'T FIND A BLACK ONE – SPRAY PAINT IT BLACK) –

ALSO MAKE SURE IT'S JUST A STANDARD LAMP SHADE THAT LOOKS LIKE A

TOP HATE

1 PAIR OF LIPS – Again, if you can't find lips use lipstick or paint

Assemble

Same as the Lady – only you won't be using beads nor ear rings. Set on your steps out

side. These are really cute and will last all through the month of October. You can also get

creative and use glow in the dark paint for the lips and eyes on either man or woman.

SPIDER WEB

1 PACKAGE OF BALLONS

BLANK YARN

SPIDERS (DECORATIONS)

ORANGE RIBBON OR YARN

CRAFT GLUE (SPRAY CAN)

Blow up the Balloons – wrap the black yarn all around the balloon – insert

the orange yarn or ribbon at the top of the balloon to make a hanger. Take

these outside and hang them in a tree – or use something that will work to

hang them on – spray with the craft glue – DON'T BE SHY WHEN YOU

SPRAY THE YARN) – let dry over night – come back the next day and pop

the balloon – take out the balloon – then attach the spiders using a hot glue

gun

You can hang these outside in a tree or in your home. Remember these are

fun gifts to make. Let your children enjoy and just have fun!

You can also make Jacks using the same method as the spider webs

WHITE YARN – BLACK FELT – using the same method as above, cut out

the eyes and mouths and attach using a glue gun. Have fun this Halloween

Season and enjoy the fall weather with decorations made by your children or

yourself!!

Submitted by Mama Targus

PLAYING DETECTIVE WITH MAMA TARGUS

This is a crime that can only be solved by the smartest and wisest people we know. So

if your up for it any input you have would be greatly appreciated. This needs to stop

and the suspect needs to be held accountable for his or her actions. So get your pen

and paper ready because this is a crime of great nature and it will take every sense that you have to solve this mystery.

A few short weeks ago, one of our members received a very important package.

EVIDENCE PICTURE # 167892

I have complied the written evidence from various members. I will not be using any

names to protect the innocent until such time as the murderer is found. Below, are their

written statements

Evidence #1 - It was sealed for freshnessEvidence #2 – Hey Kenny better not be dead. You need to resurrect himEvidence #3 – You guys name your mosquito's? I thought I was weird naming my tools and vehiclesEvidence #4 – He said his name is not Kenny, it's kkkkttk (please don't ask I have no clue how to pronounce, let along figure out if that's an actual name or not)Evidence #5 – That was Kenny...........OMG he's deadEvidence #6 – I thought it was Kendal.........(sigh)Evidence #7 – I knew he wanted to see the world..........but (bad word) bellsEvidence #8 – At least give him a proper burial would you please????? (so the plot thickens)Evidence #9 – Solemn event if he can't be resurrected.Evidence #10 – You sealed him up like Jabba did to Hans Solo

Evidence #11 – Let me guess he was hiding under the shipping label correct?Evidence #12 – Ok that's enough. He was a vampire with wings LOL and yes under the packing slipEvidence #13 - Well at least he won't be buzzing around the fluorescent light fixtures any more

although I will miss his idle buzzing sounds that kept me company whilst working in the shop.

He absolutely loved Pokerface Music and Luca Zanna

Evidence #14 - You are really slipping this week aren't you~ first you get Kenny killed...and then

with Massey...sheesh...you really need to drink MORE coffee! HE was our vampire!

Evidence #15 - You people are sick............just plain sick

Evidence #16 - And now how am I gonna return that tiny tac vest I ordered him I don't know

Evidence #17 - Now we know why a two day letter takes 10 days to get

Evidence #18 - Call Geico...........I'm sure they could use his tiny little outfit

Evidence #19 - Wait a minute!............... That means I paid EXTRA POSTAGE for the extra

weight in that package...

Evidence #20 - Please put lipstick on him before you bury him............I'm sure he lost some of

his color while air flying

Evidence #21 - We need a prayer for poor Kenny

Evidence #22 - Was there an autopsy?

Evidence #23 - I can't hold the scalpel still enough. Y'all got me nervous.

Evidence #24 - Come to think of it...i seem to remember someone saying something about

getting Kenny last year after he bit him on the back of his left ear in the TGZ room~ perhaps

Kenny was still alive when you opened the package? MURDERER

Evidence #25 - So this could turn into a WHO KILLED KENNY Mystery

Evidence #26 - I do believe it could..........perhaps we have a murder mystery on our hands

Evidence #27 - DO WE INSTITUTE AN INQUIRY?

Evidence #28 - Can safely say asphyxiation

Evidence #29 - Would like to personally lodge a complaint.............I would like your

story in full lined paper - please make sure that you do not leave out any

details.........

Evidence #30 - Was it Skippy (not his real name) in the Shipping Room? ......Was it

an Angry Postal Worker in slap me silly city (not the real name of the city) ......or

was it Commander Footloose (not his real name) who is envious of Alabama

Mosquito's? The Plot thicken

Evidence #31 - Kenny did seem to be a bit squashed....anger management classes

in order? Was Kenny guarding his lady's eggs?

Evidence #32 – The crime scene envelope needs to be quarantined off and sealed until CSI can get there to collect the forensics!Evidence #33 - Could this be a multiple homicide?

Evidence #34 - I found a dog hair! AND THE PLOT THICKENS!!

Evidence #35 - Back away from the envelope.....do not contaminate the crime

scene any further! <<<< Suspects that Kenny must have had sensitive information

about the FULTONS! (no their real name)

Evidence #36 - Kenny was actually Russian, sooooooooo

Evidence #37 - There's traces of Asian cuisine. He was in Korea. There are specific

amino acids linked to only vegetation that is grown in North Korea. It's full of

radiation, and water buffalo

Evidence #38 - Kenny migrated here by crossing the border in Canada via

Michigan where he spent his early years learning blood types, before moving on to

Alabama where he was totally misled about a "Crimson Tide" it just wasn't what he

thought it was going to be.............

Evidence #39 - Kenny also had a file on the WW1 militarism, alliances, imperialism

and nationalism problems!

Evidence #40 - A small Nazi arm band found too. Leads back to SS. He's been

around a while

Evidence #41 - Kenny, Definitely avoided Asian restaurants at all costs!!!

In the end, and after much discussion, thought and lack of true evidence, I

must put this case to rest. Unfortunately, this case will go into the

unsolved crimes box and get lost somewhere along the way.....I have no

doubt that all the evidence that has been gathered, will be shredded....so in

the end, all we can say is,

Kenny, Kenny My Dear Old Friend

He was a Patriot, until the bitter end.

I shaped him up and shipped him out.

To see what this world was all about.

His travels were brief, his oxygen ran low,

but as with all good bugs, he had go!

Although I will miss him, he could not stay,

Alas he died happy, Watchmen All The Way!

Keeping an emergency kit on hand will better prepare you

and your pets for emergency situations. Ideally, the kit is

kept in a sealed container to keep everything dry.

Suggested items to include:

An extra collar and leash

Metal food and water bowls

A recent photo of your pet (just in case)

Canned food (3-7 days’ worth) or dry food (be sure to rotate it every two months to ensure

freshness) – Don’t forget the can opener!

Pet first aid kit

Copies of your pet’s medical records, your Veterinarian’s contact information, your pet’s

microchip number and the 24PetWatch phone number 1.866.597.2424

Pet wipes and disinfectant wipes

Garbage bag for clean up

Bottled water – 7 days’ worth per pet (replace every 2 months)

A crate or carrier

Flashlight

Blanket and towel (1 per pet)

Paper towels

Toys

Treats (switch every 2 months)

Disposable litter trays, litter, and a scoop

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). NCSAM is a collaborative effort between DHS and its public and private partners--including the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)--to raise awareness about the vital role cybersecurity plays in the lives of U.S. citizens. US-CERT will be participating in NCSAM through weekly posts in the Current Activity section of the US-CERT website. Over the course of the month, these will touch on•basic online safety,•cybersecurity at work,•protecting personal information,•careers in cybersecurity, and•cybersecurity and critical infrastructure.Users and administrators are encouraged to review the Stay Safe Online NCSAM page and the Stay Safe Online NCSAM Events page for additional information and details on NCSA events.

Do something different….turn off the TV and read a book!

The U.S. government poisoned alcohol during Prohibition in the 20s and 30s, killing over 10,000 people.

An American Soldier ran across the border to North Korea in 1962 and lived there for the rest of his life.

America's first slave owner was a black man.

In 1962, the U.S. blew up a hydrogen bomb in space that was 100 times more powerful than Hiroshima.

The U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia for just US$7.2 million in 1867.

Medical errors are the 6th leading cause of the death in the U.S.

We’ve all had that feeling, you know . . . the hair on the back of your

neck stands up, you just ‘have a feeling’ that something isn’t right. All

the sudden the world takes on clarity, sharpness. Your hearing is more

acute, your eyes narrow and you can laser beam on the smallest details.

This is someone in full-blown situational awareness.

Situational awareness is a key component to successful preparation and

survival. In whatever environment you may find yourself, be it the

wilds of the world or any concrete jungle, being aware of what is going

on around you is a key component is risk management and decision-making.

You must blend that situational awareness with actions to take

immediately upon the perception that a situation has arrived. Notice Isaid “perception” and not confirmation. Know why?

Because you need to react accordingly with the perception: the

confirmation may be too late.

React accordingly, and after you’re in the clear, then you can assess

everything that has happened.

The situational awareness will help you to avoid complications. Be

aware of your surroundings, and who is in those surroundings.

Most of the times avoidance is the best answer. Move out of the area

and away from the potential situation before it escalates. It will all be

forgotten in no time. It is important in the moment for the threat it

potentially poses, however, in the long term it is not even worth the

time of day.

Situations accomplish nothing if they’re allowed to escalate: avoidthem as much as possible.

7 Tips To Improve Your Situational Awareness

Let’s cover some simple basics that you can use all the time.

1 As with “Driver’s Education,” Get the big picture: see everything that

is happening around you and take in the full view.2 Watch what people are doing, and what state they are in: whether

they’re mad, inebriated, and overly friendly…watch them and payattention to their actions.

3 Watch what people have in their hands or on their person (such as aknife strapped to their belt, etc.)

4 Know where you are. Are you up against the wall as two men areapproaching you from two different directions? Do you have a narrowalley to walk through and a gang of thugs just took notice of you andthey’re in motion? Are you in the back corner of a dimly lit diner, and

in came the Hell’s Angels and they’re staring at you?5 Know what your escape routes are. In #4 above, do you have

alternate routes to take? Do the Hell’s Angels know about that smallfire exit door beyond the restrooms? Have a backup route to

employ…in all things you do…whether walking, driving, or just sittinghaving a cup of coffee.

6 Have a plan in place. If you’re attacked, how will you defendyourself? Having a plan in place and knowing how you’ll execute that

plan…rehearsing it in your mind…this will keep you from beingcompletely unprepared.

7 Avoid a situation by not allowing it to happen. You can leave thearea. If your bargaining skills/people skills are good, you may be able to

talk your way out of it and defuse it before it occursTake it seriously. Take each thing seriously, and remember that even

the most harmless looking scenario can turn into a full-blown problemat any moment. Think outside of the box. Remember: lawbreakers

aren’t worried about breaking the laws…the ones you are upholding.You’ll have to assess the situation as it arises, and you must also assessit as it changes. Take care of business when it occurs, and take care of

one another. JJ out!Courtesy of Cyclops More about JJ

Jeremiah Johnson is the Nom de plume of a retired Green Beret of the United States

Army Special Forces (Airborne). Mr. Johnson was a Special Forces Medic, EMT and

ACLS-certified, with comprehensive training in wilderness survival, rescue, and

patient-extraction. He is a Certified Master Herbalist and a graduate of the Global

College of Natural Medicine of Santa Ana, CA. A graduate of the U.S. Army’s survival course of SERE school (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape), Mr. Johnson alsosuccessfully completed the Montana Master Food Preserver Course for home-canning,smoking, and dehydrating foods.Mr. Johnson dries and tinctures a wide variety of medicinal herbs taken by wildcrafting and cultivation, in addition to preserving and canning his own food. An expertin land navigation, survival, mountaineering, and parachuting as trained by the UnitedStates Army, Mr. Johnson is an ardent advocate for preparedness, self-sufficiency, andlong-term disaster sustainability for families. He and his wife survived HurricaneKatrina and its aftermath. Cross-trained as a Special Forces Engineer, he is an expertin supply, logistics, transport, and long-term storage of perishable materials, havingincorporated many of these techniques plus some unique innovations in his ownhomestead.Mr. Johnson brings practical, tested experience firmly rooted in formal education to hiswritings and to our team. He and his wife live in a cabin in the mountains of WesternMontana with their three cats.

A Brief History of Challenge Coins

There are many examples of traditions that build camaraderie in the military, but few are

as well respected as the practice of carrying a challenge coin—a small medallion or

token that signifies a person is a member of an organization. Even though challenge

coins have broken into the civilian population, they're still a bit of a mystery for those

outside the armed forces.

WHAT DO CHALLENGE COINS LOOK LIKE?

Typically, challenge coins are around 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and about 1/10-inch

thick, but the styles and sizes vary wildly—some even come in unusual shapes like

shields, pentagons, arrowheads, and dog tags. The coins are generally made of pewter,

copper, or nickel, with a variety of finishes available (some limited edition coins are

plated in gold). The designs can be simple—an engraving of the organization's insignia

and motto—or have enamel highlights, multi-dimensional designs, and cut outs.

CHALLENGE COIN ORIGINS

It's nearly impossible to definitively know why and where the tradition of challenge coins

began. One thing is certain: Coins and military service go back a lot farther than our

modern age.

One of the earliest known examples of an enlisted soldier being monetarily rewarded for

valor took place in Ancient Rome. If a soldier performed well in battle that day, he would

receive his typical day’s pay, and a separate coin as a bonus. Some accounts say that

the coin was specially minted with a mark of the legion from which it came, prompting

some men to hold on to their coins as a memento, rather than spend them on women

and wine.

THE FIRST OFFICIAL CHALLENGE COIN...MAYBE (and this is my

favorite rendition of the origin)

Although no one is certain how challenge coins came to be, one story dates back to

World War I, when a wealthy officer had bronze medallions struck with the flying

squadron’s insignia to give to his men. Shortly after, one of the young flying aces was

shot down over Germany and captured. The Germans took everything on his person

except the small leather pouch he wore around his neck that happened to contain his

medallion.

The pilot escaped and made his way to France. But the French believed he was a spy,

and sentenced him to execution. In an effort to prove his identity, the pilot presented the

medallion. A French soldier happened to recognize the insignia and the execution wasdelayed. The French confirmed his identity and sent him back to his unit.

One of the earliest challenge coins was minted by Colonel “Buffalo

Bill” Quinn, 17th Infantry Regiment, who had them made for his men during the Korean War. The coin features a buffalo on one side as a nod to its creator, and the Regiment’s insignia on the other side. A hole was drilled in the top so the men could wear it around their necks, instead of in a leather pouch.THE SECRET HANDSHAKEIn June 2011, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates toured military bases in Afghanistan before his impending retirement. Along the way, he shook hands with dozens of men and women in the Armed Forces in what, to the naked eye, appeared to be a simple exchange of respect. It was, in fact, a secret handshake with a surprise inside for the recipient—a special Secretary of Defense challenge coin.PRESIDENT (AND VICE PRESIDENT) CHALLENGE COINS Starting withBill Clinton, every president has had his own challenge coin and, since Dick Cheney, the vice president has had one, too.There are usually a few different Presidential coins—one for the inauguration, one that commemorates his administration, and one available to the general public, often in gift shops or online. But there's one special, official presidential coin that can only bereceived by shaking the hand of the most powerful man in the world. As you canprobably guess, this is the rarest and most sought-after of all challenge coins.

President Donald J. Trump – Trump Towers has it’s own USSS detail. (Yeah I have a couple obrainless coins but only to not have any missing) LOL I think my oldest presidential coin would be President Reagan, or rather his Presidential Protective Detail (PPD) coin.

My oldest Presidential coin & a true collector piece is of course President Ronald Reagan.

BEYOND THE MILITARYChallenge coins are now being used by many different organizations. In the federal government,

everyone from Secret Service agents to White House staff to the President's personal valets have

their own coins. Probably the coolest coins are those for White House Military Aides—the people who

carry the atomic football—whose coins are, naturally, in the shape of a football.

Do not have a football for the President, yet but here is one carried by the military attaché to the vice-president.

Here are some from my personal collection. I currently have a little over 250 US Secret Service Challenge coins, over 80 different countries of US Embassy Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachment coins, a multitude of military (mostly US Marine Corps – of course LOL), a number of county, local, state and Federal Law Enforcement agencies, various Intelligence Agency coins, and a whole lot of just interesting coins for the heck of it.

KGB – Showing Lenin on the front with the KGB symbol and name (in Russian of course) one the backside.

Central Intelligence Agency – Have various version of CIA coins.

Air America – CIA Operations Airline(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_America_(airline)

US Embassy – Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachments – The MSG Detachments provide security at all US Embassies around the world. The MSG coins really range from small, maybe size of a .50¢ piece to one I have, which is about 4” or 5” across (Hong Kong).Newest US Embassy and 1st MSG Detachment coin for: Jerusalem, Israel.

This is Hong Kong China and is is almost 5” across

Some, such as Managua, Nicaragua can be pretty ornate.

Just down the road from me –US Secret Service Field Office – Charlotte, NC

Division I worked in was called the Technical Service Division (TSD) - We were the Wizards – We made magical stuff happen!!

And a few off the beaten path:FBI

NSA

Cannot be a spook with your official spook challenge coin.

So, as you can see there is a whole world of challenge coins out there. Who knew!!!Excellent submission by Cyclops.