The Stories Behind Challenge Coins | Sheriff Ken Campbell’s Gunsite Collection

During the 2025 Pat Rogers Memorial Revolver Roundup at Gunsite, we sat down with Sheriff Ken Campbell, CEO of Gunsite Academy, to talk about something many shooters have seen but few really understand: challenge coins.

Ken shares the classic World War I origin story, explains how coins became symbols of honor in the military, law enforcement, and fire service, and breaks down the traditions behind the “bar challenge” that can win – or cost – you a round of drinks. From his founding SWAT team coin to a CIA coin “you don’t buy at the gift shop,” every piece on his rack carries a story of service, friendship, sacrifice, and faith.

You’ll hear about the coin honoring Joey Strong, killed in Iraq in 2006, a Marine One coin connected to a Gunsite grad flying a certain president, a National Law Enforcement Memorial coin, and the complete run of Gunsite challenge coins – including rare misprints pulled from circulation. This isn’t just a collection; it’s a walk through a blessed law enforcement career and decades at what Ken calls “the greatest shooting school in the world.”

At the end, Ken asks the same question he asks everyone:
👉 When are YOU coming to Gunsite?

0:00 – The World War I origin of challenge coins
0:59 – The bar “coin check” and buying the round
1:39 – Sheriff Ken Campbell’s law enforcement career and Gunsite connection
2:08 – CIA coin and “knowing a guy”
2:47 – Sheriff’s office coin & Ephesians “Full Armor of God”
3:32 – The Joey Strong coin: sacrifice and remembrance
4:06 – Marine One, presidential security & DC police coins
5:01 – Gifts, not purchases & Leavenworth-made coin racks
5:54 – Gunsite annual challenge coins and rare misprints
6:55 – Bottle openers, special units & unique coin designs
7:54 – Super Bowl operations coin set
8:10 – A trip down memory lane & your invitation to train at Gunsite

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