Military officials say coins represent a “lifelong bond”
Recognizing the valuable connection to Canada’s military will soon be – quite literally – in the hands of Portage College learners and supporters.
Through a handshake, or a special presentation, uniquely designed Military Coins of Achievement are ready to be distributed to military-connected learners and partners as part of the College’s continuing emphasis on the Canadian Armed Forces. Military-connected learners will receive their coin upon completing their program at Portage College, while partners may receive one as a token of appreciation for their work supporting the military community.
The two-sided circular medallions are about an inch and a half in diameter, and feature a maple leaf bordered by the words, “Portage College – In Recognition of Service and Achievement,” on one side, and a colourful image of canoe paddlers on a boreal lake on the other. The lake setting represents the Portage College service region in northeastern Alberta, where several campus locations are situated, including one in Cold Lake, home to 4 Wing, Canada’s largest fighter base.
The unique artwork for the coin was created by Portage College designers with input from partners at 4 Wing Cold Lake.
While the design is intricate and unique, the meaning behind the coins is simple; recognition.
“For military-connected learners, this coin is more than a keepsake. It recognizes the service, experience, and perseverance they bring to their education, and it marks their place in the Portage College community,” said Don Moore, the Associate Vice President Academic and Research at Portage College.
Moore, a leading member of the Canadian Military Veteran and Family Connected Campus Consortium (CMVF3C), and an expert on the topic of military education and training recognition, said the coins are a physical acknowledgement of the close relationship between Portage College and Canada’s military community.
In recent years, Portage College and 4 Wing Cold Lake have shared several regional milestones, including community-based training for military personnel, applied research projects, and the endorsement of Portage College’s Aircraft Structures Technician Certificate program housed at the new Aerospace Campus at the Cold Lake Regional Airport.
“Our relationship with 4 Wing is built on practical collaboration, from education and training for member and civilians, to developing programs and applied research that serve our region,” said Moore. “The Portage College coin gives that partnership a lasting symbol, but its real value lies in the opportunities we are creating together.”
Military bond
The coins, say Vice Wing Commander at 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake Col. Laura Gagne, signify a shared and unique bond between Portage College and the military.
“In a military setting, challenge coins hold a noticeable, deeply rooted cultural importance. Such coins function as essential tools for recognizing membership to a specific unit or group, as well as act as a mechanism through which to build camaraderie,” Col Gagne said. “In relation to partnerships with community groups like Portage College, challenge coins signify that one belongs to a specific community – that a lifelong bond has been created through a unique, shared experience.”
An artist rendition & sizing of the coins.
Those shared experiences between Portage College and 4 Wing, says Col Gagne, continue to provide military members with pathways for education and training, while strengthening the local economy and helping to attract more people to the region.
“Our relationship with Portage College is a tremendous example of what can be achieved when military and educational institutions work together,” she said. “Partnerships like the one we have with Portage College help ensure that military members feel connected to the region while also creating pathways for education, training, and long-term success.”
The coins will be presented at convocation and at selected College, community and partnership events recognizing military service, achievement or collaboration.
Learn more about programs, services and recognition opportunities for military-connected learners on the Portage College’s Military Student links webpage.
Contact:
Rob McKinley
Communications Specialist
Portage College
W: 780-623-5786
E: rob.mckinley@portagecollege.ca