The story of the Peace Penny Project began in February, 2007, when Don Bice, a former banker, marketing consultant, author, trainer of exotic birds, and fan of antique arcade apparatus, saw a news report on TV: "The Things They Carry." A reporter in Iraq was speaking with members of the military, asking what they carried with them to feel connected to their loved ones back home.

The list was long and varied. There were many photographs, including spouses, parents, children and other family members. There were fiancés, boyfriends or girlfriends, groups of college buddies or sorority sisters. Many carried cherished letters from people back home. Others carried copies of special prayers or quotations from the Bible. Still others had trinkets of some sort: a locket or ring, a rabbit's foot--even a house key. Nearly everyone carried something with them that had sentimental and deeply personal value.

Don was moved by the report, amazed at how so many people, so far from home, held something close to them that provided a feeling of connection to the world they'd left behind when they became soldiers.

Earlier that day, Don had been searching online for something to add to his collection of arcade machines: a penny roller. He'd first seen one of these unusual mechanisms at the Texas State Fair when he was a child. He even remembered how his father had given him a penny to be rolled, along with a dime to pay for it (that was a long time ago). Although that particular penny apparently went to the same ethereal place that consumed all his childhood comic books, his memory of the experience stayed with him.

In one of those infrequent but enlightening "Aha! Moments," Don put the two subjects together in his mind: why couldn't he create a special penny (maybe even one engraved with a prayer or blessing) that could be distributed to all those brave men and women who were serving our country, while sacrificing so much precious time away from their families and friends? What better way could those who love these courageous people literally say "a penny for your thoughts" when their loved ones were so far away?

And then the wheels started turning

According to Don, "This whole thing started as a simple way we could show soldiers everywhere how much their friends and loved ones were thinking about them, day and night. When I saw all those soldiers carrying things that brought them comfort and encouragement, my mind clicked on the phrase, ' a penny for your thoughts.' It was something I remembered my grandmother saying to me whenever I was concerned about something. That's when I got the idea for a penny that carried a message from home.

"The penny roller could be used to create a unique elongated coin, imprinted with a message of support for our troops. Made of metal, it would be as durable as a soldier's dog tags--going anywhere they went, resisting damage from any environment. But this coin would have a special meaning to the soldier because it was made from a penny provided by a friend or family member."

Don shared his brainstorm with his friend and business partner, Dave Egan.

Dave's business background has been as unusual as Don's, having worked as a magician, furniture salesman, Disney "Imagineer," writer and motivational speaker. Together, they worked out a business plan for a project that, from its inception, was never intended to make money. They both agreed this was a simple thing they could do, underwriting the costs themselves, to make a small difference in the lives of people in uniform who were far from home. If those who wanted to send a Peace Penny would send a stamped envelope, with the military address of their friend or family member, the operating costs would be manageable. Even when requests began multiplying exponentially, they remained committed to providing the coins for free, although they do accept donations from people who want to support this idea. Those who donate receive a 22 carat gold-plated Peace Penny.

With their plans laid out, Don contacted "Rocky" Rockholt, the man who was selling the penny roller online. Rocky had been building these machines for decades in his Minnesota workshop. Hundreds of theme parks, museums, zoos, and gift shops at famous landmarks across the country had customized penny presses built by Rocky.

After purchasing Rocky's vintage, hand-cranked penny roller, Don got busy designing the artwork for the die. Dave began working on a universal sentiment that could fit on the relatively small surface of the coin. Several messages were considered, but most were rejected for being too wordy. With so little space for a message, ideas were batted back and forth until they settled on "You are always in my thoughts and in my prayers." Don and Dave both felt this was the most succinct way of communicating all the feelings military spouses and family members wanted to express.

While the die was being engraved, Dave wrote a brief background of the Peace Penny Project. Printed on a beautiful full-color card, that story would be accompany the elongated coin, allowing soldiers to understand the penny's purpose. Don's artistic skills were put to use designing the card, as well as the website you're visiting right now.

Rolling out the project

Word of the project began to spread, through personal contacts and press releases, even mentions in veterans newsletters. After "office hours," Don and Dave began rolling the pennies they'd received, then placing the coins (and the card explaining the Peace Penny Project) into the already-addressed envelopes each person placing an order had supplied. First in fits and starts, then in a steady stream, they found themselves busily cranking out Peace Pennies every evening--sometimes well into the night.

It's been a rewarding venture, even though it hasn't made a dime. Dave says, "The notes we've received, both from people who order the Peace Pennies and the soldiers who receive them, are all the reward we need. It's such a gift to be able to help strengthen the connection between those in the military and their families at home. Even when our arms get tired, we both feel no one could pay us enough to change jobs."

It's a small thing, insignificant in the larger picture of countries at war. But in the end, it's all about the human connection--and how anyone can do something that can make a difference in the lives of others. "We may not be able to protect and defend our country like those in the Armed Forces do," Dave adds,   "but we can help show them how much their efforts are appreciated."

 

 

The Peace Penny Project is not affiliated with any political, religious or charitable organization. Its sole purpose is to send Peace Pennies to our country's men and women in uniform, reminding them that people back home are always supporting them with their thoughts and prayers.