Veteran coins designed at Montana State to help prevent suicide

BOZEMAN — Military challenge coins serve as an easy conversation starter. Some are tokens of time spent overseas, while others are a remembrance of rank or an award.

Now, a new set of challenge coins minted by the state of Montana — and designed by a Montana State University student — are intended to aid in preventing suicide among veterans.

Dubbed 988+1 suicide prevention coins, the coins will be distributed to veterans across the state in an attempt to lower the suicide rate among that population. This coin is meant to be a conversation starter for when a veteran meets a fellow service member in a time of need.