A item I need info about.

[f-35simpilot]

I just aquired a fairly heavy brass coin style item, on one side it has a pig and a numbe, on the other it says canadian forces operational loadmaster... Any idea what it is for???

[Romulus111VADT]

Could be a challenge coin?

[Hagar]

Look here --> http://www.lmacanada.ca/history.htm

PIG COIN

    The Operational Loadmaster Medallion (PIG COIN) was first conceived at 5AMU in May 1985. Around the table that afternoon were Dave York, Ted Baker, and (Smokey) Joe Myers. There was a heated discussion in the wearing of the Loadmaster Badge. It was felt that there should be some recognition for those who had reached operational status and knew the real hardships. It was apparent that something needed to be done. We decided on the "Pig Coin". Since Smokey was going back on leave to Canada, he took on the responsibility of setting up the design and procuring the coin. The final product was put together a month later and the issue of coins to eligible Loadmasters began. To qualify for the coin, Loadies had to have flown 1,000 hrs, or served with an operational Sqn for two years (this was to accommodate the Helicopter Loadies). (now to qualify you only need to get operational)

    As tradition dictates the producing of a coin on the bar has become a favorite pastime, with some ingenious Loadies drinking Free. With the inception of the coin has come a sense of pride in the job that only personnel who have loaded a skate wheel aircraft alone in January in the high artic, or have done a night hook-up on an overcast night would know.

    These are the sometimes forgotten members of the crew, maybe not the best dressed at the end of a flight but always there to the end. It's for these Loadmasters the coin was conceived.

A COPY OF THE LIST OF LOADMASTERS HOW HAVE THE PIG COINS IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE LMA