At Challenge Design, we’ve had the privilege of creating coins that tell the stories of remarkable individuals, but designing a challenge coin for Air Force Colonel Katrina Terry was particularly special for our team. It’s not every day that you get to honor a leader whose career has spanned over two decades of excellence, resilience, and dedication. We wanted to create a coin that captures the essence of her service, highlighting her contributions to both Joint Base Charleston and Vandenberg Air Force Base. More than just a token, this coin stands as a testament to her lasting impact on the Air Force and her unwavering commitment to the missions she led.
The Air Force has always stood out to me as more than just a branch of the military—it represents dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to service. Watching Airmen build their careers, from learning the ropes in basic training to taking on leadership roles, you can’t help but admire the discipline and passion they bring to their mission. It’s not just about flying jets or working with cutting-edge technology; it’s about being part of something bigger, something that keeps us all safe. And as they retire, these men and women carry with them not just a wealth of experience, but a legacy of honor and resilience. Seeing someone retire from the Air Force is a reminder that their journey—full of sacrifice and accomplishment—has helped shape the future for all of us. While each Airman’s journey is unique, Colonel Terry’s career is a remarkable example of excellence, with her contributions to key bases like Vandenberg AFB shaping the future of space operations
Vandenberg Air Force Base
Vandenberg AFB has always been considered a special place, especially when thinking about the Space Command Squadron/Command Center (SCS/CC). It’s incredible to see the impact this base has on space operations and how vital it is to national security. The men and women at Vandenberg are truly at the forefront of space defense, ensuring that our country stays ahead in an ever-changing technological landscape. Whether it’s launching satellites or managing space operations, they’re playing a key role in protecting our assets and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s awe-inspiring to know that the work done at SCS/CC is shaping the future of space exploration and defense, and I have nothing but admiration for their dedication.
Including the base where someone is stationed plays a crucial role in the design of their challenge coin. The base represents their unique environment, mission, and responsibilities, shaping their experiences and contributions. By incorporating elements from the base, such as emblems or symbols specific to that location, the coin becomes a more personal and meaningful tribute, reflecting both the individual's service and the vital role their base plays in national defense. It adds depth to the story the coin tells, honoring their connection to that particular chapter of their career. This approach is equally meaningful for the 628th Mission Support Group at Joint Base Charleston, where Colonel Terry’s leadership ensured that every operation ran smoothly and effectively.
628th Mission Support Group at Joint Base Charleston
The 628th Mission Support Group at Joint Base Charleston holds a special kind of respect in my eyes. The work that the men and women here do is the backbone of the base’s operations. From logistics to personnel support, their efforts keep everything running smoothly, ensuring that the larger mission of the Air Force and joint operations can be carried out seamlessly. It’s not just about handling the day-to-day—it’s about being the driving force behind readiness and success. I have immense admiration for the 628 MSG/CC team for their unwavering commitment and ability to adapt, making JB Charleston a powerhouse in military support and operations.
When designing a challenge coin, highlighting an important project or critical role can have a tremendous impact on the final product. Including symbols or elements that represent key initiatives—such as their logistics excellence or personnel readiness—brings the coin to life, making it a powerful token of appreciation. These unique details connect the design to the group's mission and achievements, turning the coin into a true reflection of their hard work and dedication.
Air Force Colonel Katrina Terry
Colonel Katrina Terry is a remarkable leader who has made an incredible impact throughout her Air Force career. Reviewing how her career unfolded has been nothing short of inspiring.
One project in particular under Colonel Katrina Terry’s leadership, the integration of advanced cybersecurity protocols across the base, had a tremendous impact on the challenge coin design. This pivotal role in safeguarding mission-critical communications added a layer of precision and vigilance to the coin, symbolizing her forward-thinking approach and dedication to operational excellence. She represents the very best of what it means to serve in the Air Force, and her leadership continues to make a lasting difference.
Air Force Colonel Katrina Terry Challenge Coin
Creating a challenge coin for Air Force Colonel Katrina Terry was truly a distinguished honor for our team. Col. Terry's legacy of leadership and service inspired us to craft a coin that would symbolize not only her career but also the profound impact she has made on the Air Force.
The front of the round silver coin features a bold design with a clean white background, proudly displaying the iconic blue Air Force symbol. Surrounding the emblem is a blue border with raised silver text that reads "United States Air Force Retired," paying tribute to her incredible service to our nation.
The reverse side of the coin carries a deeper sense of meaning. At the center, the white background showcases the raised silver Colonel's eagle, symbolizing the rank she held with honor. The silver border bears black text highlighting her pivotal roles: "628 MSG/CC – JB Charleston" and "30 SCS/CC – Vandenberg AFB." This nod to her leadership at both installations underscores her contributions to cyber, communications, and space launch support, particularly at Vandenberg Space Force Base, where she played a vital role in Space Launch Delta 30. The outer blue border bears raised silver text with a personal touch: "Colonel Katrina A. Terry," along with the dates marking her career from 21 February 1997 to 1 June 2023.
Adding to the personal elements, the left side of the coin features the Pentagon, representing her service to the Department of Defense, while the right side has a rocket ship symbol, signifying her involvement in space operations and her forward-looking vision. Every aspect of this coin was designed with care and respect to honor Col. Terry's remarkable journey. We are incredibly proud to have contributed to commemorating such an outstanding Air Force leader who has dedicated her career to excellence, innovation, and service.
At Challenge Design, we’re honored to have designed this beautiful coin for Colonel Katrina Terry. As we worked on each detail, from the Air Force emblem to the personal symbols representing her impressive career, we aimed to capture the essence of a leader who has dedicated over two decades to our nation. Colonel Terry’s legacy at Joint Base Charleston, Vandenberg Air Force Base, and beyond is one of resilience, innovation, and commitment, and our hope is that this coin serves as a lasting tribute to her impact. Designing for such a distinguished career is a reminder of the purpose behind every coin we make—to celebrate the individuals who embody dedication and inspire excellence. To Colonel Terry, and all those who serve, thank you.
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