To the editor:

I want to share an experience with all the proud people of the Lee island communities that occurred last Friday evening, Nov. 6, while my wife and I were dining at Miceli’s. I was wearing my Gary Sinise R.I.S.E. Foundation shirt when a man approached me at the table and said, “I served in the 3rd Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and I would like to thank you for your support of the RISE foundation. It is a great foundation, and you should be proud to support it.” He shook my hand and he walked away. I leaned over and told my wife what he had said. We both proceeded to discuss how cool that was and having never served in the military I felt true pride in our company to hear his comments since Sunbelt supports the RISE foundation.

Well, the story does not end there, about 10 minutes later the gentleman came back over to our table and said he wanted me to have his challenge coin. He did explain to me that there was one caveat before he handed the coin to me. He wanted to share a story about the coin with my wife and me.

It turns out this is one of two challenge coins he had received from his time in the service, and they were given to him by his commander. A few years earlier he had given this coin to a Korean War veteran out of respect and honor. He thought it ended there but it did not. He said a few weeks prior to this evening he went to his mailbox to find a letter with the coin in it. It turns out the veteran he had given it to had passed away. The man’s son decided this man should have the coin back so he mailed it back to him and he said he could not believe it when the coin was in his mailbox.

At this point he decided he wanted to pay it forward again so on this random night when he saw the shirt I was wearing, he felt I should have the coin. His only ask of me is that I find a special way to use this coin in the future and assure that I pay it forward out of respect (more on this later).

I proceeded to explain to this man that I work for Sunbelt Rentals and we work directly with the R.I.S.E. Foundation and have been a partner of theirs for several years. Of course, we talked about the Lt. Dan Band, and I told him how they played at the NATIONAL Harbor event we had in Washington, D.C. I told him I was honored, and I will find a way to pay it forward.

My wife and I were just amazed by this gesture and discussed how we could honor this man’s kindness. That’s when it came to me that my best friend from high school, who happens to live on Matlacha Island, lost his father in 1975. His father, Master Sergeant Joseph Byron Scott US Air Force, had served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars and was still active military when he passed. So, I have decided that in memory of, out of honor to, and respect for my best friend I presented this challenge coin to him during Veterans Day week. I cannot think of a better way to pay it forward than that. This small gesture of mine also goes out in honor and respect to all the veterans and active military personnel and their families that have sacrificed so much for this great nation.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman who found it in his heart to bestow this huge honor on me by giving me his challenge coin. I also need to apologize to him as I got caught up in the moment and do not remember his name. I know he served in the Army Rangers and works in Fort Myers. I also know his lovely companion’s name was Nicole. I hope he is reading this or someone who knows him is reading this so he can be made aware that I have Paid It Forward. This moment is one of those times when you are changed for life, and I cannot thank him enough for that. My one request is for everyone who is reading this to do their part and pay it forward. I would appreciate it immensely if you could find it in your heart to donate to the RISE Foundation or donate to any other veteran or military foundation of your choice. I know that even the smallest amount helps. Or, if you cannot donate at this time any small gesture goes along way. Volunteer for a military celebration. Buy a drink or lunch for a veteran or active military person. Visit a military monument or museum. Visit your local VFW or American Legion and show them the respect they deserve. Shake a veteran or active military person’s hand. Give them a nod and a smile. Just say thanks to anyone who serves or did serve. It will be appreciated beyond belief, and I know from this experience you will feel an indescribable joy.

I am a proud American and a patriot and I have great honor toward all who have sacrificed so much for this country. No words can capture the gratitude we have for you, but I will say it anyway, THANK YOU!

If you are interested in learning more about R.I.S.E. you can visit https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/rise/

To learn what a challenge coin is you can visit

What is a Challenge Coin and What Do They Represent?

With the Utmost Respect,

Kevin Beichler

Saint James City