Memorable Moment at Gen Con 2024

One of the moments I’ll definitely remember from Gen Con 2024 involved meeting Thorfinr in person during his first time attending the con. He visited me at the AAW Games booth and said he had something special for me, pulling these coins from his pack and placing them in my hands. While I was not intimately familiar with the coins, I instantly knew what they represented as my (step)daughter recently received one after a completed internship at the Snoqualmie Police Department. 

Challenge Coins

These are challenge coins. They have a distinct history in the military. Traditionally, they might be given to prove membership when asked and to enhance morale. They are also collected by service members and law enforcement personnel. Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They could also be exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization.

These were presented to me by one of AAW Games’ long time supporters, Thorfinr, as a way to thank AAW for its support of the US Navy and Marine Corps MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) from 2021 to 2024. In that time, AAW provided several cases of surplus RPG materials to the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford military deployments. Thorfinr, who is retired US Navy and now works for the military, distributed those materials to multiple gaming groups onboard, while running regular games of D&D as well as teaching countless newcomers how to play the game.

It has been an honor to provide support to our troops and veterans serving overseas.

Passing the torch

AAW Games believes that the world is a better place when coupled with tabletop roleplaying games and will continue to share and pass the torch to future generations through programs for veterans, schools, libraries, non-profits, low income households, small gaming conventions, and anyone who wants to make a positive difference anywhere in the world. Together, through shared creativity and problem-solving we can all help to make the world a better place. I am honored to be one of the many carrying and passing these torches along, life is finite, but the game is infinite! 

Jonathan G. Nelson
AAW Games