For many years I counseled the Sergeant Detective at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on human behavior and the dynamics of crime scenes, helping him sharpen his investigative lens. That guidance proved decisive in advancing a complex murder case, and I was formally recognized with a letter of appreciation from the department.
I was invited to counsel the Nevada SWAT team during their out-of-operation, in-the-field training sessions. My role was not within active operations, but rather to support the team in sharpening awareness, decision-making, and human understanding while they prepared for the real thing. In recognition of that contribution, the team’s supervisor and leader presented me with the Nevada SWAT medallion — a token of respect I value deeply.
Among all the medallions I’ve received, this one is the most modest in appearance yet carries one of the most powerful stories. I counseled a Green Beret commando, a man who had returned from multiple wars and deployments carrying the weight of PTSD and the severe challenges of reintegrating into life. After years of working through his pain together, he chose to give me his own service medallion from the 75th Rangers. He placed it in my hand with eyes filled with tears and gratitude — a moment of recognition I will never forget.
For years I offered outside perspectives to a Canadian military intelligence officer whose role was to track and interpret the shifting dynamics of global politics and armed conflicts. When he needed a different angle or deeper insight, he would reach out to me for insight. In recognition of my support he presented me with a medallion from the 'Service du Renseignement Canada'. It was his way of honoring the value of the perspective I had shared.
Over many years I held long, thoughtful conversations with a NASA systems engineer, exploring human behavior, perspective, and resilience. The relationship itself was the reward, but one day he chose to offer me his own personal NASA medallion — crafted from the fuselage of the Challenger after it was decommissioned. Though the story behind it is quieter than some of my other recognitions, the medallion itself is remarkable, a symbol of trust born from years of dialogue.
The St. Michael medallion is unique among my recognitions because it carries no identifying mark of the person who gave it. In American military tradition, when an officer wishes to offer gratitude without revealing their identity, they often present the medallion of St. Michael — the patron of the U.S. military since its beginnings. After years of counseling an American military intelligence captain, this was the token he chose to give me. Though discreet, it stands as a beautiful symbol of trust and appreciation, and it holds a special place in my collection.
In May 2008 I was invited to Hanoi, Vietnam, as a guest at the United Nations Vesak Celebration — an international gathering honoring Buddhism and its role in the world. As part of this event, each guest received a large commemorative medallion. Mine, from Vesak 2008, is a reminder of that unique occasion and of the spirit of dialogue and shared understanding that marked the celebration.
My United Nations delegate pass from Vesak 2008 is less a medallion and more a living proof of the role I played during that gathering. For five days I served as a UN delegate, meeting with politicians, academics, and influential figures across Asia. The goal of those conversations was to strengthen dialogue and harmonize relationships among countries that regard Buddhism as a vital part of their heritage. This delegate pass remains a witness to that unique moment when I was called to contribute at the intersection of culture, economics, and politics.
Una agente de la « Policía Federal Española » me regaló su gorra personal después de años de ayuda y asesoramiento a nivel personal y profesional. No puedo usarla, pero es un obsequio exclusivo y muy especial de recibir.
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