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Anyone who has ever served in the Armed Forces is familiar with the challenge coin and the general rules when challenged. This Veterans Day we are running our own version of a coin challenge, open to all, any branch of service, active duty, retired etc. We are not telling what the prize is just yet, but let’s just say that it will match the theme of this challenge (not a coin).

I am holding 1 coin in each one of my hands. If you post a photo with two coins that equal more than the total of my two coins you will be entered into the drawing. If you are the only person whose coins equal more than mine, you win. If no-one has a total higher than mine we will accept the highest total as the winner. To be entered you must post a photo on any of the following; this thread, Facebook or Instagram pages, and then tag us in the photo. The Rank / Grade of the awarder of the coin must be visible in the photo.

So what do we mean by total? Pretty simple.

A coin awarded by an 0-6 and a coin awarded by an O-4 = 10 points. A coin awarded by an E-9 will granted a score of 5. E-8 and below or O-1 and O-2 coins will be deducted points however, we will give you an “E” for effort.

The contest will run from today until December 7th. Winner will be announced shortly thereafter.

Invite your friends, spread the word and good luck.

Happy Veterans Day and thank you for your service.

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Interview with my good friend Pasha Palanker at The Compound in Silver Spring, Maryland. We discuss our mutual interest in building a community for camaraderie and support to active duty, veterans, LEO, first responders, and survivors of domestic terrorism. Some great introductory discussion about depression, PTSD, and those who are suffering in silence.

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Only 3 days after Halloween and the commercial industry is already cramming Thanksgiving and Christmas down our throats. Decorations, coffee flavors, movies, and music all glorifying “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Whether or not this cold, grey season is the best is debatable but I do think there is no argument that it is the most charitable time and I CAN get down with the that. Whether through guilt or the threat of being on Santa’s naughty list people seem to be more willing to donate during this 2 month window.

I say all of that to remind everyone that this weekend is Veterans Day, November 11, and there is still time to plan to attend one of the multiple events lined up to support and honor our Veterans. These events are perfectly lined up for you to have time to go out and take advantage of the freebie veteran deals while taking a moment of your time to remember those suffering from homelessness, mental illness, depression, suicide.

Ruck and Roll 22 will be held at Mongrel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Chesterfield, Va. From 2:00 pm on Nov 10 to 12:00 noon on Sunday Nov 11. Whatever your pleasure, they have options. Pick your poison from 22 hours of open mat time, a 22 mile ruck from Northside to Midlothian, or CrossFit style WODs dedicated to fallen first responders and service men and women who died in the line of duty. Shoot, if you’re squirrelly and feeling extra motivated you can hit a WOD, take a short break, and then still hit the mats. This event is free and open to everybody, of course donations are welcome but not required. All donations will go to VAU – Veterans and Athletes United – dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of Veterans of the War on Terrorism. The event will close out with a cookout. If you can’t make it the event you can also donate via the Ruck and Roll 22 Facebook page and help them reach their monetary goal.

Monday, 12 November there will be a Veterans Day Open Mat at Ground Control in Columbia, Md from 11:00 – 1:00. This event is also open to all regardless of academy or affiliation. Veterans and active duty are admitted “for free” while non-military / non-veterans are asked to bring a donation of toiletries or clothing/ coats. Of course all donations are welcome. There will be drinks and snacks and lots of rolling. This is not a competition atmosphere, we will definitely “keep it playful.” All donations from this event will go to The Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training and their effort to treat veterans with homelessness and substance abuse.

If you cannot make either one of these events, please, at a minimum spread the word. For those in need “the most wonderful time of the year” is often the most difficult time to deal with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Hope to see you on the mats.