“Well, one of the things is ‘thank you for your service.’ But the other thing is it’s a little more than a thank you,” said Dr. Stephen Wheat, an ArkLaTex physician who’s carrying on the tradition of challenge coins.

By Jasmine Franklin for KSLA, Published: Nov. 11, 2024 at 10:45 PM CST original story: Doctor uses challenge coins to honor his patients who are veterans

SHREVEPORT/NATCHITOCHES, La. (KSLA) — An ArkLaTex physician is going the extra mile to honor his patients who served our country.

Dr. Stephen Wheat, who works in Shreveport and Natchitoches, pays tribute to his patients who are veterans in a special way.

On the surface, what he presents them might look like a typical commemorative coin. But to Dr. wheat and his patients, it holds a deeper meaning.

An ArkLaTex doctor is using challenge coins to honor his patients who are veterans.

“Well, one of the things is ‘thank you for your service.’ But the other thing is it’s a little more than a thank you,” said the physician who’s carrying on the tradition of challenge coins.

“I was very appreciative, but I thought about it that. Why am I the one receiving when I really need to be giving to these people who have given so much, and how do I honor them?”

Born into a military family, Wheat said it’s in his blood to recognize veterans’ service, commitment and sacrifice. And he believes it’s important to honor veterans every day.

After helping patients with their health, diagnosing many of them who are veterans for various nerve and neuromuscular and skeletal disorders, he gives them this special coin.

“When you see their faces and you give them this, they are more than happy. You know that somebody is very appreciative of their service.”

Since ancient Roman military times, challenge coins have been used to honor our military servicemen and --women for their service, bravery and accomplishment.

Bill Clinton was the first U.S. president to embrace the idea of the challenge coin to honor outstanding military service.

Challenge coins come in all different shapes and sizes and bear all different insignia:

President Clinton’s had the presidential seal on one side and a graphic of the White House with his signature on the other.
A Navy Seal challenge coin honors the physical prowess, professional excellence and precision of each SEAL team.
During World War I, American pilots carried coins in their pockets to prove their identity if they were captured by resistance.

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Doctor uses challenge coins to honor his patients who are veterans