Popeye is a character that every red blooded American relates to in one way or another and even though I am an Army guy myself I have to admit that he did make the Navy (or Coast Guard depending on your particular depiction of the character) loo pretty cool. I mean this guy has it all. Popeye is Patriotic, strong, intelligent in a way that can’t be measured by books or tests and possesses the iron will that most Americans would love to say is inside each and every one of us.
From the male perspective this goes even further. Popeye is an extremely strong character who has strong morals and will do anything for the woman that he loves. Olive Oyl on the other hand just seems to be that woman who likes to make Popeye’s life difficult even though he can’t help but fall for her even more in every strip or cartoon that you see. But by far the greatest appeal of Popeye to males is the fact that he is a simple, tattooed, sailor who remains polite until you push him over the edge.
Once things get to this point you can expect 2 things. Firstly Popeye is going to spout his favorite phrase, “That’s all I can stands, I can’t stands no more”, and then you expect him to down a can of spinach and kick the snot out of everything and anything that stands in his way or somehow offends him to the point that he feels it needs to be corrected.
All of this just wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have his arch nemesis Bluto to antagonize our beloved hero. He can represent a lot of things to a lot of people. That bully that wouldn’t leave people alone, the guy who always seemed to get the girl and didn’t deserve it, or depending on the period of time that you followed the comic it could be looked at in a much larger context.
If Popeye represents everything that it is to be an American than in the Cold War era it would be easy to see how Bluto could represent everything that is or was the former Soviet Union. In this much larger context (which has never been officially supported by the creators of the Popeye character) you could see how the United States tries to be as tolerant as possible until we are pushed to the edge. Once this happens “That’s all we can stands, we can’t stands no more” and we move into action as a country fighting the evils of communism. Our spinach is ingenuity, and our strength is the United States military. The greatest fighting force ever assembled on this Earth (outside of the Avengers of course). We kicked doors down, and corrected all of the things we saw that were wrong with a given situation, or at least as much as politics would allow us too anyway.
So on this Popeye’s birthday, remember the character with fondness and get yourself a can of spinach handy for the next challenge that faces our nation. You can also get your official Popeye challenge coin at:
To avoid the possible interference from then Lieutenant-Governor Dunmore and his Royal Marines, the Second Virginia Convention met back on March 20, 1775 inland at Richmond–in what is presnrly referred to as St. John’s Church–instead of what was then the Capitol in Williamsburg. The delegate Patrick Henry presented a variety of resolutions to raise and bring forth a militia, and to put Virginia in a posture of self defense. Henry’s opponents of course urged caution and patience until the English crown replied to Congress’ latest petition for reconciliation.
On the 23rd of the month, Patrick Henry presented a proposal to organize a volunteer company of cavalry or infantry in every Virginia county. An account and start of what Virginia would later do again in its near future. By custom, Henry addressed himself to the Convention’s President, Peyton Randolph of Williamsburg, VA. Henry’s words were not transcribed but thankfully due to his word being ever so eloquent were never forgotten, or Henry’s closing words: “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
Henry’s first biographer, William Wirt of Maryland, was three-years-old in 1775. An assistant federal prosecutor in Aaron Burr’s trial for treason at Richmond in 1807, and later attorney general of the United States, Wirt began to collect materials for the biography in 1808, nine years after Henry’s death. From the recollections of men like Thomas Jefferson, Wirt reconstructed an account of Henry’s life, including the remarks presented below.
St. John’s Church, Richmond, Virginia
March 23, 1775.
MR. PRESIDENT: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do, opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves, and the House? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask, gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done, to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free² if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending²if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable²and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace²but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Patrick Henry may not have had a coin displaying his all too familiar words of Patriotism but if he had it would have been this coin.
The power tradition of American Freedoms has never lost its luster and will forever hold sway over those who would take away the birthright of Americans.
Source: Wirt, William. Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry . (Philadelphia) 1836, as reproduced in The World’s Great Speeches, Lewis Copeland and Lawrence W. Lamm, eds., (New York) 1973.
When a new military challenge coin company comes into being it is worth noting and sharing this information among military coin collectors and those who are looking to add to their military coin collection, their shadowbox, to offer a gift or coin exchange or something to simply just enjoy and remember their time in the service. Whether as a US Army soldier, A US Marine, A US Navy sailor, A US Air Force airmen or a US Coast Guard coastie there is always a delight when it comes to collecting coins.
They mean something. They have value. They help all of us to remember the bond we had with our brothers and sisters in the military while serving in the defense of the United States. It spans time and it brings our military together.
Vision-Strike-Coins.Com is a young business that for many years was associated with the military artwork of Vision-Strike-Wear.Com and it highly detailed military graphics seen on military clothing and apparel, military decals and stickers, plaques and other highly sought after military collectibles.
Never forget the US Coast Guard! Ever. At Vision-Strike-Wear.Com every military branch is treated with respect. The United States coast Guard receives the same highly detailed and original artwork that the other military branches experience. The latest coin from VSC, USCG Ask The Chief has that certifiable original look and feel. Another great coin to add to your personal collection or exchanged. A USCG coin that makes the perfect part of your military coin collection.
Since May 18th, 1920 the US Coast Guard has been asking the Chief!
Side B
USAF TACP Coin. When it comes to the newest military coins for the United States Air Force then the TACP (Tactical Air Control Party Coin) is perfect. Designed for the highly specialized and highly trained USAF Airman these battlefield surgeons that call in the close air support and eradicate the enemy.
The USCG Cutters of the United States Coast Guard perform an amazing amount of different roles and missions from drug interdiction to search and rescue. Tasked with the patrol and security of the United States coastlines the USCG is always prepared to do what it is tasked to do. The USCG Cutters from East coast to West coast are honored with this USCG Cutter coin produced for them
United States Army Staff Sergeant Coin
A coin design with the look and feel of what a truly designed E-6 military coin should look like. Highly detailed 3d graphics constructed in a 4mm thick coin that creates an added depth for the kind of etching and cuts needed to construct the finest in military coins.
Who said US Naval Coins couldn’t be kick ass? No one.
The Sea Is Ours Coin!
2 inches of all US Naval Coin crafted from the original art and design of Vision-Strike-Coins.Com. Originality must exist for a coin to be well received by US Navy Sailors. As a country it has been long established that our distance from other countries and the seas that divide us has always protected us. But that protection cannot exist unless America has the ability to defend her coasts, the sea lanes, fighting piracy wherever and whenever, rushing to an ally or fighting above below and on the sea. This is why the United States Navy must control the sea. The Sea Is Ours!
From design to mold to construction and onto shipping the jouney a US Navy coin takes is not as easy as one would image. First it begins with incredible art. It has to. In order for the military coin to really sizzle it needs to first have the kind of design and art that will produce a first class coin. How does this heppen? Mainly its originality and then talent. You can have the best ideas in the world but you have to be able to transalate that coin design into something magical and that means understanding the metals and construction needed to produce the kind of detail that a coin requires. There can be the mediocre out there and for some that search for price only anything will do. Then there are the US Navy commands that know that while a military shirt can cost upwards of a year at best the military coin for the United states Navy can and will last a lifetime and for far less than a naval tee.
So in the end a US Navy coin can and will always be great if the talent, inspiration and originality are there. With Vision-Strike-Coins.Com it is!
The First To Lead coin for the US Navy is one example of the kind of detail and 3D elements that make up this exciting coin. Its original. Its copyrighted and it was made out of love and respect for the US Navy!
With the recent announcement of military coins, Vision-Strike-Coins.Com has taken these cutting edge military designs and transformed them into some of the most detailed and well recognized military coins in the marketplace. Displayed below are just some of the many US Navy coins, Army coins, Marine Coins, Air Force coins and Coast Guard coins recently released that are already being spoken about across America. Each with its own story and love for our military. Look for many more coins to be created over the next year as these new generation coins are minted and created for you.
Navy 1st Class Petty Officer Coins ~A Murder Of Crows!
A USN 1st Class Petty Officer coins for the E-6’s of the United States Navy. This design features the Navy crow perched on the chevrons of the enlisted 1st Class PO. The US Navy sailors call the eagle found on their rank sleeve a crow and in this US Navy tradition we created this US Navy Crow coin for them.
December is the birthday month of the United States Army National Guard: The oldest of the military services. Out of respect to the US Army National Guard the coin artisans at Vision-Strike-Wear.Com developed two different coins in their honor.
US Army National Guard ~ Always Ready. Always There
Founded on the roots of this country is its minutemen. The citizen soldier that grabbed his rifle, powder and rushed off in a minute to fight the enemy that was not an ocean away but right in his very own backyard. The American minuteman! This National Guard coin was designed by lead military artist, Frost Call, in honor of the men and women of the US Army National Guard.
The men of the United States Army and Army National Guard to their testament and incredible bravery spanning the history of the UNited States had this coin created out of respect and honor to them. The 11 Bravo military coin.
The US Flag, crossed M4 rifles, 5.56mm ammunition, stars, boonie cap and the skull with grenade pin its mouth a favorite among infantryman!
Out of respect to all military branches of the United States, Vision-Strike-Coins.Com has also created from their original designs creative and unique military coins many of which are displayed below.
Gator Navy!
From the jaws of a US Navy Amphibious ship comes the most dangerour and terrifying warriors. They come from over the horizon on their landing craft, the hovercraft, the LCACS and their desitnation the beaches of dome distant land Like the Marines of the 2nd World War during the island hopping campaigncs of the South Pacific against their then nemesis, the Enpire Of Japan, the Gator Navy unleashed hell upon coastlines and beaches and knocked back the enemy. Today the US Navy Gator Navy is still alive and well and doing the same thing by providing Marine assualt forces the equipment, sailors and drive to take any beach head and deliver hell upon any coastal defense or enemy. They are the amphibians of the US Navy. They are the Gator Navy!
Since Oct 13, 1775 America has defended hersefl on the oceans and seas of the world. The Gator Navy recognized for the ships and men it has at its disposal fights and transports amphibious elements of both the US Navy and US Marine Corps to the beaches and coastal hot spots around the world. In the event of disaster relief and bringing much needed supplies to countries across the globe the US Gator Navy is there. This Gator Navy coin was created in honor of these men and women that serve with distinction in the US Navy!
The design, stamping, cutting, removing of sharp angles and cuts, polishing and packaging follows a certain degree of manufacturing protocols and a series of steps aimed at producing the finest engraved coins but also takes on one of an art form.
The process of minting a challenge coins begins with design. The questions often encountered are the shape, size and what is requested for the front and back and whether sequentially numbering or some other sort of information like a custom text, anniversary date, military unit, ship or other important information one would want etched into their coins. The process of taking a custom design and having it minted begins with the design and having the right company that knows and understands how design can translate into a metallic medallion is an important one. Not all designs can become coins regardless of the desire to produce one. The right elements of art and metallic tool and die making must come together to make it happen.
The minting process to make a US quarter is exactly the same as the design used to create the US Navy Popeye Challenge coin with Vision-Strike-Wear.Com. The US Mint utilizes for hundreds of years the same technology that is used by Vision-Strike-Wear.Com coins when it comes to producing the finest in military collectible challenge coins.
Design
Taking a picture and then replicating it onto a large format clay mold is the next step is designing a tool used to stamp your coins.
The die
Once the design is reviewed and approved the die is next to be produced. Using the large clay mold the details from the large mold are then etched into a smaller piece of steel used for stamping out the coins. The above image illustrates how the mold is etched preparing it for stamping.
The tool once complete is tempered and heated to a rockwellian steel hardness allowing to keep stamping for hundreds and thousands of coin stamps. When customers ask why a die or mold costs what it does they fully understand the costs associated with it when they see what the finished product is. A great military design can be put on hold when the die is not made to the specifications or level of details expected.
Coin Production
The design is made, the mold and tooling completed now its time to stamp out the coins.
Separating Coin Blanks
After the coin blanks are separated, added to the presses and then punched out they are transferred to the paint area where workers add enamel paint by hand to the various levels and sides of the military coins. This is a slow and very intricate task and is also a large reason for the longer wait times during the coin manufacturing process.
Inspection
With the coins now minted a sample is taken inspecting the coins for any flaws but also looking for correctness. If an issue is discovered the coins might be redone and the entire process gone through again to ensure the quality of the finished product is maintained.
Packaging
Military coins upon their completion are then sent to the packaging area where they are often added to a clear poly bag for protection and presentation.
Originality in design and concept separates quality in terms of a US Army coin from the mediocrity that has until now been prevalent in the scene of US military coins. Second best is no longer good enough. Ther is no award for 10th best Army coin in the marketplace. Up to this point many small businesses in the military coin industry relied on its customers to provide a way to find a design whether captured from a website on on some Google image search often leading them to someone else’s art in the first place. There seems to be plenty of followers and too few original art developers, aka the leaders.
So where where does that naviate towards in the game of high stakes military coin design. Well quite simply it takes us to the original art of Vision-Strike-Coins.Com. Possibly the most copied (frequently without permission) and leading military coin designers in the military marketplace. Their level of quality when it comes to their Army and National Guard coins is unsurpassed. Their art is original and their passion for creating unique, quality intensive coins has no equal.
Below find a few of the most recent designs featuring Army coins illustrating the detailed art found in these 2 inch, 4mm coins crafted for our US Army soldiers and National Guardsmen. The atwork is both origially designed and copyrighted to ensure you receive only the finest licensed and approved quality military coins.
The 11 Bravos, The Infantrymen of the US Army had in their honor a US Army Infantry coin created jsut for them! The detail, creativity and presence of this 11 Bravo coin was made for them.
Combat Medics. The 68 Whiskey Coin was developed right after the 11 Bravo because having a coin for the battlefield doctors was a necessity. The Combat Medics work hand in hand with our Infantry and their committment, dedication and professionalism needed to be addressed by having a coin made in their honor.
The Army nurse pinup after a great deal of discussion with the 68 Whiskeys was selected as the central figure for this US Army Combat Medic Coin. The Louder You Scream The Faster We Come!
The oldest militsary branch, the National Guard had to have a coin for its Guardsmen and the coin artists went yto work immediately creating this Always Ready, Always There National Guard coin. The crossed rifles, tri-cornered hat, skull, American flag and wongs depicting and symbolic of its air wing capabilities were encapsulated into this highly detailed ARNG coin.
Since 1636 the National Guard has answered the call of battle since even before the birth of the United States. It is only fitting to have a coin made out of respect and honor to them.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal, the men with Nerves Of Steel are an elite group of borderline crazy as shit, daring, inventive, adrenaline junkies (and certainly some of the most professional and skilled operators) that literally take their lives intot heir own hands by disassembling IEDS, explosives, charges, mines, artillery rounds, dynamite and anything you can virtually throw together with a cellphone and rigged to high explosives. Their courage knows no bounds and the risks they have to take on an unparalleled level.
They are the explosives warriors. They are the EOD. This EOD coin was made out of 100% pure respect for these incredible soldiers that perform these life saving tasks on a daily basis. We are so amazed by their work that we had to design and create this coin in their honor.
