Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L
Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Barracks => Topic started by: Pitspitr on January 05, 2008, 03:27:42 PM
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The new GAF Membership medals are available:
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5496/setet4.th.jpg) (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=setet4.jpg)
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/9500/medalcloseupvs7.th.jpg) (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=medalcloseupvs7.jpg)
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/8706/medal1wu7.th.jpg) (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=medal1wu7.jpg)
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3459/collartabspf5.th.jpg) (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=collartabspf5.jpg)
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3964/capbadgemb1.th.jpg) (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=capbadgemb1.jpg)
Price for the medal alone as I understand it is $40 engraving is extra. I don't remember what he said the price was on the rest of the items. and he talked like he was planning a set discount if you bought the medal, the hat wreath and the collar tabs all together. Contact Steffan Baker at Prairie Leather Leather Company pflco@frontiernet.net 308-728-7046
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OUTSTANDING!!!
Thanks to Bvt Col Pitspitr for getting our medal reproduced. Its taken a lot longer than any of us anticipated, but we're finally back in business.
US Scout
GAF, Commanding
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Um, the ribbon is reversed compared to the original.
Stars are on the left side on mine.
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I have put in two e-mules to Steffan and received very little info as everything was in the "pre-production" stage.
I'm tickled purple to know that things have been finalized.
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Um, the ribbon is reversed compared to the original.
Stars are on the left side on mine.
Thanks Hedley
I didn't notice. I'll mention it to Steff. I'm sure he won't have a problem correcting it.
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I received the following from Steffan:
"I think $40.00 on the medal, $35.00 on the cap badge and $25.00 on the collar tabs is fair. Give me your opinion and we can go from there. These will all come in their own separate boxes."
They look good to me and the prices seem reasonable.
Col Bull
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I got the same response and will be sending in an order tomorrow.
I would hope that all those who needs or has wanted a medal gets their order in soon.
The price is excellent compared to our earlier ones - and from what I've heard, the quality is just as good.
Show your support for both the GAF and Steffan (for getting them back into production for us).
US Scout
GAF, Commanding
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Sir, I have the honor to report that I am finishing up my order tomorrow am.
Steffan was great and answered my emails in one work day - not bad at all in my book.
General hope all is well with your recent trips - we do need to get together so I can give you your VA BP badge.
PR
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Okay, so is this medal actually available or not? Could someone let us know for sure how much and where to send payment once they actually exist to be ordered?
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Who do we contact to order medals? Could you pass this info on to the faithful ;D
Bristow Kid
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Contact Steffan Baker at Prairie Leather Leather Company pflco@frontiernet.net 308-728-7046
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Thank you Pitspitr much appreciated
Bristow Kid
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Bristow Kid,
The email address and phone number are at the end of Pitspitr's first post. Nice folks to deal with. Got a WWI US Brodie helmet and watchband from them! ;D
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Colonel Pitspitr,
Could you please explain the "need" for the GAF hat and collar devices? Are they required for GAF functions or are they an "extra" to be worn in lieu of standard issue insignia as one desires?
And you mentioned a GAF buckle in a separate post, are they available?
Thank you, R.R.
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Could you please explain the "need" for the GAF hat and collar devices? Are they required for GAF functions or are they an "extra" to be worn in lieu of standard issue insignia as one desires?
And you mentioned a GAF buckle in a separate post, are they available?
There is no "need" for one to wear the GAF insignia. Remember the GAF has no uniform requirements. They are extra's that a GAF member can wear, or not, as he choses. I wear them when I represent or promote the GAR and also to show my pride in the GAF. I believe the belt plate is still available through Trailrider.
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Thank you. RR.
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When I first joined the GAF there were still a few of the Starpacker medals left, however I wasn't in a position financially to be able to by one. When I could afford one there wern't any left. For the last couple of years I've been wearing a prototype badge with a GAR hanger. I am pleased to report that I ordered my own medal yesterday! ;D ;D ;D
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I will be ordering mine next week as I dallied a few years ago and failed to get a GAF badge.
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Order went out by post rider yesterday.
I too dawdled when the last batch were run and missed out. Tain't gonna happen agin, even though it means I'll haf ta go without them airtight peaches I'm fond of fer a spell.
RCJ
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Steffan told me that he already had a second batch being made - due to the amount of interest he has recieved.
That is great!!
Now I need to get the little do-dads to put on medal - I think I have two awards but not sure.
Isn't there a database for getting awards from GAF?
PR
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Now I need to get the little do-dads to put on medal - I think I have two awards but not sure.
Isn't there a database for getting awards from GAF?
PR
Unfortunately, since the GAF is without an Adjutant to take care of such duties, our database is not up to date.
Secondly, during the time our website was down several applications for awards were not received.
All I can say at this point is to resubmit for such awards as you believe you have earned, and then go ahead and wear them (the honor system is in effect).
All that said, I could surely use an Adjutant to take over keeping the enlistments and awards up to date.
US Scout
GAF, Commanding
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Gen Scout
What is the pay grade for your Adjutant? ;D
Col Bull
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Col. Bull,
The pay would be twice what you are receiving now! ::) ;D ;D Quite an improvement. :o ;)
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Secondly, during the time our website was down several applications for awards were not received.
I wondered about that... But as I think I'm the only GAF member anywhere I shoot, I don't get hung up on awards anyway. Even today, I was at clothing sales at Ft Lewis and looked at the "V" devices and thought of getting one for a GAF medal if I ever got one due to my active duty service then said, "nahhhhh..." and left without them...
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My order has been processed! ;D
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What is the pay grade for your Adjutant? ;D
Col Bull
The Adjustant's postiion carries the rank of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, so his pay is less than your pay as a Department Commander with the rank of Brevet Colonel.
Since a Brevet Colonel gets nothing, a Brevet Lieutenant Colonel would get slightly less than nothing. ::)
US Scout
GAF, Commanding
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This looks like a golden opportunity for someone to become an officer and a gentleman by just volunteering!!
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(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/8706/medal1wu7.th.jpg) (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=medal1wu7.jpg)
I recieved my new "2nd Edition" of the GAF Medal from Prairie .
It compares very favorably with the 1st edition medal from Starpacker, but with a few differences.
The new medal uses a silver toned metal for the clasp and star, as opposed to the gold colored metal used in the first medal. Personally I find the silver metal very attractive as I prefer silver to gold, but that is me.
The new medal uses a similar though not the same exact ribbon. However, the new ribbon is slightly wider so that it fits within the clasp much better than on the first medal. This second ribbon is also slightly longer (about 1/2 inch) than on our first medal. After I see how it looks on my uniform, I'll consider whether or I want shorten it or not.
On the whole, I'm very pleased with the new GAF Medal. It is of high quality and given that it is less than half the price of the Starpacker produced medal provides us with an attractive yet affordable medal.
I also got a pair of the collar tabs and hat wreath with the intention of putting together something similar to that worn by Bvt Col Pitspitr using an old CW sack coat in my possession.
I'm in the process of drafting up our few policies regarding uniforms and awards, and these will be posted on the GAF website once we get it back into operation. As we stated earlier, either version of the GAF Medal is authorized for wear, however only one version may be worn at a time.
US Scout
GAF, Commanding
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Has anyone been cornered about wearing what someone thinks might be a Medal of Honor? I could easily see someone unfamiliar with the GAF medal thinking maybe it's a 19th century MoH. Ha this happened to anyone so far?
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Not to me it hasn't.
I have been asked many times what the medal is and this provides me with an excellent opportunity to talk about the GAF. I will say the medal generates considerable interest.
I explain that the GAF medal is based on medals worn by post-CW veteran organizations, notably that of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR).
There is a similarity, as can be seen, but easily explained. The clasp is different; the ribbon, while based on the national colors, is not the same; the eagle grasps a cannon, ours a shield; and within the star our emblems representing the infantry, artillery and cavalry, and the Marines and Navy. In short, it resembles the Medal of Honor only superficially.
For the most part, I've not been surprised at the lack of knowledge I've encountered on the 19th century military to include the post-CW veteran's organizations or awards. I don't find this unusual as I can't speak to particulars on Wyatt Earp and other lawmen, nor their opposites, as I've little interest in the subject. However, taking a minute or two to explain the GAF and that we use a medal to recognize our members instead of a lawman's badge has never resulted in anything less than polite interest and sometimes in a more positive interest to become a member.
US Scout
GAF, Commanding
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Sir, got my package today - since I had been out on a family expedition down to the quaint town of Williamsburg, VA.
They are great - hoping to be in full regalia first weekend in Feb. May even get to shoot my new 1872 44russian OT's.
PR
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If any of you who are getting the new medals could take a picture for the web site I would appreciate it. The one I have is not as sharp at the picture of the original medal (see web site). I don't know when I will get access to the site but I am preparing updates in thr meantime.
Col Bull
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I received my medal Friday, and am very pleased with it. Yes, the ribbon on mine has been corrected, so that the stars are on the wearer's right ("inboard"). After reading US Scouts's post, I'm somewhat confused - my medal is a bronze color overall; it has no white metal features anywhere on it. The only critical thing I can remark about the workmanship is the pin clasp on the back of the top bar is crooked, and sticks up benind the bar a little - nothing a little file work won't correct. Other than that, it is very impressive.
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After reading US Scouts's post, I'm somewhat confused - my medal is a bronze color overall; it has no white metal features anywhere on it.
Me too. ::) I haven't received mine yet as I've ordered an engraved one, but the ones I inspected were "yellow" metal as well. The only thing I can think of is that the day I saw the first of the new batch, Steffan mentioned that it would take several days for the polishing. Some yellow metals when highly polished can appear somewhat white for a while until they oxidize slightly. I don't know if this is the case but it's the only thing I can think of.
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When I first examined the medal by itself, I thought it was of a light yellow bronze (and it may well be) and I thought it an excellent reproduction of the original medal. However, when I compared it to the original there is a distinct difference in the metal color. The old medal appears to be of yellow brass or a very yellow bronze (not unlike a polished brass Napolean).
Unless I was sent a medal cast in a totally different metal from those made for the rest of the GAF (and I know of no reason why that would happen) , then the one I have appears to be white bronze with a slight yellowish cast to it. Personally, I like it - but I prefer silver metals to gold.
My point was that the new and older GAF medals should not be worn together. Only one should be worn.
I'll try and get a photo of both side by side posted by the weekend.
US Scout
GAF, Commanding
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It is deffinately a different metal. Steff used a more yellow metal when casting the prototypes to try to match the color of the originals, but couldn't get it to fill the moulds correctly. By switching the metal he was better able to get a complete fill.
Did you end up with an engraved one by any chance? I'm looking forward to seeing what he does for engraving. Mine is to have my brevet, my alias, and membership number and the rest of the area is to be covered in a floral pattern.
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I hope this emule finds all my GAF Brothers well !
Could someone please send me the email address for Steff as I sent an email to the email adress that was on the GAF hatbadge post, 2-3 weeks ago asking for a price of the hat badge & the new medal & the postage cost to here in Australia but still have not got an answer, I just want to make sure that he got my first email.
Thanks again. Take care & all the best from Australia.
Lightning
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I know he said he got an order from Australia. I'm not sure what the hold up would be concerning the late reply. Bull Schmidt has the GAF web site back up and if you go to the Awards page it has the address and the pricing on it.
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I got mine today, looks great.
Dusty
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I have submitted my order for the membership medal, so now I will sit back and wait for it's arrival!
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I received mine last week. I am very pleased with it except for one flaw that I found when examining it under my magnifying glass. All the "F"'s look like "P"'s.
"GRAND ARMY OP THE PRONTIER."
This could be a fault in the mould, I've already pointed it out to the folks at Prairie Flower Leather Co. and told them about it For their information only, I like the medal as is since you can not see the lettering without the aid of a magnifying glass.
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. . . . you can not see the lettering without the aid of a magnifying glass.
Now I would call that a Close Inspection Drill, indeed. . . ;D
I too am pleased with my medal. There were some rough ridges from casting sprues on the back of the medal that I smoothed down with a file. They were catching on the cloth and I feared snagging the material.
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Perhaps the die was manufactured in the Philippines....
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This really has nothing to do with the new medals, but I found an interesting photo of an enlisted man wearing marksman medals on trapdoorcollector.com. He must have been quite a shot!
http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/harpold3.html (http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/harpold3.html)
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Well, Col. Pitspitr, it relates to medals, the Victorian-era military and shooting ... so it is definitily appropriate for the Barracks and also this thread, in my view ....
To carry the theme a bit further, I had occasion a year or so ago to do some research in connection with the remains of a private-purchase Martini-Henry rifle (i.e. military configuration, but not military issue .... which I believe is now being restored) marked "R. McVittie" that turned up in Canada.
That research led to some interesting information regarding Robert McVittie (1839-1918), nicknamed "Bob the Shot", who was described at one time as "the best shot in the British Empire." He served as a Private in the "Langholm Rifle Volunteers" (one of the Companies of of the 1st Dumfries Rifle Volunteer Corps, which in 1881 became the "Volunteer Battalion" of The Royal Scots Fusiliers). In 1888 he emigrated to Canada, where he became a Staff Sergeant in the 10th Royal Grenadiers of Canada and continued to compete internationally ....
I believe that this photograph was taken before he came to Canada - talk about medals:
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/bob.jpg)
Photograph of the Canadian Team at Wimbledon, 1889. S.Sgt. McVittie is standing in the rear row, third from the left:
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/wimbledon2.jpg)
Details cropped from the above image showing McVittie and another heavily bemedalled marksman, Private Armstong of The Governor General’s Foot Guards (seated in middle row, third from left):
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i219/GrantRCanada/McVittie_Armstrong_1889.jpg)
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All I can say is, "WOW!" "My" guy sure pales in comparison!
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Great photos all . Nice to see and definitely a great connection to our Forum.
Thanks for sharing
dutchie
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It would have been interesting to see these guys in action on the range!
Do ya think he's got enough arm strength to raise his arm in salute? ::) ;)
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My GAF Membership Medal arrived yesterday, and must say I'm mighty pleased with it! ;D
Looks like the ribbon got a wee bit mussed up in the left to right reversal process, but should be an easy fix .....
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Would it be possible to have a flat ribbon made up for when we are not in dress uniform? It would still be distinctive. There are no ribbons in the military inventory that would match.
Dusty
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Would it be possible to have a flat ribbon made up for when we are not in dress uniform? It would still be distinctive. There are no ribbons in the military inventory that would match.
Dusty
Let me think on this a bit before making a decision. Usually, those who wish to do so wear the regular medal regardless of the uniform. A flat ribbon, such as now worn by the military, was not used by the US military during our period (I'll defer to Rattlesnake Jack on the British Empire). Of course, you can always wear our distinctive belt plate or hat wreath.
I'm open to anyone's thoughts on the subject.
US Scout
GAF, Commanding
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In the British Empire, for the most part, medal ribbons were traditionally flat, passing through a suspension bar above the body of the medal. That was certainly the case throughout Victoria's reign (1837-1901), and off the top of my head I can think of only one medal awarded during her reign which had the style of ribbon which is gathered into a suspension ring above the medal.
(On the other hand, the gathered ribbon style of suspension became much more common in the 20th century - starting with World War One. Do I understand that this is the opposite of the way things developed with U.S. medal suspensions?)
The normal "flat ribbon" style of suspension is shown in the first image below (1885 North West Canada Medal) and the gathered style which became more the norm in the last century is shown in the second (1914-15 Star).
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Am I right in assuming he's asking about a bar ribbon, no medal at all? Did those exist in the Victorian era?
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I can't help to notice the lettering in the cap badge is crooked. Is this on purpose, an error in the design or just a visual thing in the photos?
Thank you in advance.
TG
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Mine is straight. Must just be an optical illusion.
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Placed my order for the medal today.
Scout 8) 8)
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Placed my order for the medal today.
Scout 8) 8)
Hopefully you will receive it in 2008.
I placed my order, paid by PayPal in January and still have not received mine. I have talked to the owner and was told the first time I talked to him via telephone, that it was too cold to pour the bronze until recently (which in NE, it was near 10° at the time so I understand the problem).
The second time I was told that they were having the ribbons fitted, and would be sent out soon. That was about 2 weeks ago.
Still waiting patiently. :-\
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My medal arrived in the mail today. Looks great and is engraved with my SASS alias and GAF number.
Scout 8) 8)
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Howdy boys,
Just and FYI gentlemen, I am cranking these things out as fast as I can. I sure don't want anybody stuck with junk and if it doesn't pass muster, it ain't goin' out the door!! If you have a problem with your medal, talk to me, send it back and let me know what you don't like. This is not my main business, I am a gun engraver by trade and we also make WWI militaria that is the mainstay of our manufacturing business. Time wise in the winter, there are days I can cast and weeks that I can't. Some days the woodstove just doesn't keep up on the foundry end of the building! That being said, thanks for your business and I hope we can continue in the future.
Steffan Baker
Prairie Flower Leather Co.
www.pflco.com
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Still waiting patiently.
As I said, waiting patiently, and sure enough it arrived today. :) It was even sent priority mail, so Serenity went an extra step in getting this out.
First impression is that it is a great looking medal, and the ribbon is also excellent. I commend Serenity on his workmanship and always pleasant demeanor. As soon as I can, I will take a digital snapshot with the macro setting on my camera, and will share it with the group.
If you are thinking about ordering one, do it!
Thanks for your excellent work!
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As I said, waiting patiently, and sure enough it arrived today. :) It was even sent priority mail, so Serenity went an extra step in getting this out.
First impression is that it is a great looking medal, and the ribbon is also excellent. I commend Serenity on his workmanship and always pleasant demeanor. As soon as I can, I will take a digital snapshot with the macro setting on my camera, and will share it with the group.
If you are thinking about ordering one, do it!
Thanks for your excellent work!
I will! Monday - and engraved!
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Howdy!
It's Tuesday and Monday has come and gone, the phone call made, and the check is in the mail!
Ain't it here, yet? ::) ;)
Talking to Steffan was a pleasure. More medals will be getting casted ASAP. (It's gets easier as it gets warmer! :D ) Thanks to the recent explosion of recruits, he's both surprised and pleased at the demand! He has an interesting web site and some hard-to-find items that most of us may not even realize there's demand for - but I understand where the demand comes from now, due to the increasing amount of re-enactors from ALL eras!
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Just put my order in and inquired about the new design for the Iron Trooper.
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I got my GAF ribbon medal yesterday. Very fast turn-around time. It looks great on my Union officers' shell jacket! 8)
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Ordered mine todday