Texas couple designs tribute coin for veterans - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Texas couple designs tribute coin for veterans

ABILENE, Texas — Larry and Sue Farr are on a mission to make sure all military men and women know they are appreciated for their sacrifices made in the service to their country.

The Farrs have designed and developed the “Not Forgotten” coin to distribute among veterans, service members, and friends and family who want to hand them out to their loved ones.

The coins are made of copper and have a flag and a cross on both sides, with the phrases “In God We Trust” and “You Are Not Forgotten,” on each face.

The idea came to Larry Farr back in January, during a meeting of his church group. Initially, he thought of a coin that airmen at Dyess Air Force Base could use on base to get a cup of coffee.

“That was not enough,” said Larry Farr, who is on the Military Affairs Committee of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.

He wanted to design something that soldiers, either at home or abroad, could carry with them as a reminder of support back home.

“If they are in a situation, like a firefight, they can reach down and touch it,” Larry Farr said. “And they know they are not forgotten at home.”

He also wanted to design something for veterans who have served.

“The mission is to put a coin in the hands of our soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen,” he said. “We have a strong belief in God, family, and country.”

In November, Larry Farr donated 400 of the coins to the Military Family Support Group in Brownwood to be sent to troops all over the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Two weeks ago, he gave 600 coins to soldiers being deployed from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

“He’s done that about four times,” Sue Farr said.

The rest have been distributed through veterans groups, during events and one by one.

So far, about 15,000 coins have been given to service members and veterans.

Larry Farr emotionally recalled a recent encounter when he approached a World War II veteran at a grocery store.

“I walked up, handed him the coin and said ‘thank you,’ ” he said. “I could see tears welling up in his eyes.”

The Farr family has a history of military service. Larry Farr, 65, served as a Navy corpsman from 1966-72 during the Vietnam era.

“Our fathers both served in World War II,” Sue Farr explained. “We also had uncles in World War II and Korea. Larry’s brother served aboard the USS Midway during the Cuban missile crisis. We know and understand the sacrifices our military personnel make.”

The Farrs cashed in a life insurance policy to have the coins made at a foundry in New York. They cost about $1 each to make, Larry Farr said. They have ordered around 16,000 coins so far, and are down to about 2,500.

The Farrs have been getting donations to help cover the costs of the coins and started the LSF Foundation, a nonprofit organization, so that individuals and groups can donate funds and order the keepsakes.

The foundation is named after their son, Larry Shane Farr, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver Dec. 3, 2007.

The coins are available through the Farrs and at several local outlets, including J. Shea Jewelers. There is no cost, though some folks give donations when they take them.

Now the Farrs have decided to offer the “Not Forgotten” bracelet, which is handcrafted by J. Shea Jewelers in brass or silver.

They said the response to the project has been phenomenal.

“We have people who pay for each coin, and we have others who have made larger donations,” Sue Farr said. “Just about the time we think we are running out [of funds] something happens — it has been amazing.”

The Farrs have been married more than 22 years and have five children, eight grandchildren, one great- grandchild, and one on the way.

“We are average people who want those who serve to know how much we support and appreciate them,” Sue Farr said.