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US Army Valor Blocks Subscription Box Review – May 2017

Eric Cadman
ByEric CadmanMay 30, 2017 | 3 comments

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - Box

Valor Blocks
0 overall rating
0 Ratings | 2 Reviews

Valor Blocks is a brand new subscription box from the makers of Nerd Block. Valor Blocks is set to feature gear, merchandise, and collectibles from the protective services - there will be specific boxes for the US Army, Marine Corps, and the US Navy. The only block that is currently shipping the US Army Valor Block.

This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - opened

The Box: US Army Valor Blocks

The Cost: $34 + S/H ($6 for non-military, $5.40 for military)

The Products: “Valor Blocks is a monthly subscription box featuring exclusive gear, merchandise, and collectibles from the world’s most prominent protective services organizations.”

Ships To: US + APO Addresses

Check out all of our Valor Block Reviews to get more information on this subscription!

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - all items in the May box

You can expect each Valor Block to feature exclusive and licensed items from the specific branch.

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - information card front

Good news - U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and US Army Valor Block are now all available for subscription!

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - information card back

And on the reverse side of the card, you'll be able to get more details on each item in the box.

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - U.S. Army shirt

U.S. Army Shirt - Value $15+?

This month's shirt is not marked as exclusive - but I wasn't able to find it online for pricing - so I'm estimating the price based on subscription box shirts. It features a pretty classic and streamline design - highlighting the Army's year of origin.

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - U.S. Army challenge coin

U.S. Army Challenge Coin - Value $10-15?

Like last month's box, this month features a new challenge coin. Thanks to Jessica T in last month's comments section for explaining a bit of the background of these coins:

Hi there is actually a reason they are called challenge coins. If you lose the
Challenge you have to buy the drinks!

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - U.S. Army challenge coin detail

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - U.S. Army challenge coin more detial

This month's coin features a newer looking Army logo than last month.

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - U.S. Army luggage tag

U.S. Army Luggage Tag - Value $10-15?

You'll get a set of two bendable vinyl luggage tags featuring the same crest.

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - U.S. Army luggage tag detail

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - U.S. Army luggage tag back

These are heavy duty for sure - and will last and take a beating while your luggage goes through baggage claim!

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - magnet with pouch

U.S. Army Magnet - Value $7 on Amazon

The final three items in the box feature the more classic crest.

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - magnet front

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - magnet back

This magnet features a pin-like body - great for use on the refrigerator.

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - U.S. Army patch in packaging

U.S. Army Eagle Crest Patch - Value $5-10?

You'll also receive an embroidered Eagle Crest patch.

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - U.S. Army patch

These are made with a heat-seal backing allowing you to easily iron it on to any fabric you'd like!

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - lapel pin in packaging

Valor Blocks - May 2017 - lapel pin

U.S. Army Eagle Crest Lapel Pin - Value $5-10?

The last item in the box is an Eagle Crest lapel pin. It's the perfect size to wear on your lapel, backpack, jacket - where ever you'd like!

Verdict: My values add up to around $72 - and that's really good for the cost of the box - but I didn't find it hard to apply values to the items, so I could be a bit high or low on the items. I'm still not entirely sure if this box would be best gifted to a military member or the family of a military member - commenters are tending to lean toward the latter - what do you think?

What do you think of the May 2017 U.S. Army Valor Block?

Starting at $34.00
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Valor Blocks is a monthly subscription box featuring exclusive gear, merchandise and collectibles from the world’s most prominent protective services organizations.
Eric Cadman
Eric Cadman
Eric is the co-founder of My Subscription Addiction. He's been hooked on geek subscription boxes since 2012 thanks to Loot Crate and Nerd Block. Geek boxes sparked his desire for collecting Funko Pops and comic book statues!

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3 comments

Emily

I’m a Navy veteran and definitely would not be interested in this subscription – neither would any vets or active duty service members I know. All of this stuff seems super gimmicky and also the type of stuff that can be bought on any base for pretty cheap.

Could it potentially be a decent gift for parents/family of a service member? Maybe, but again this stuff can easily be bought on any base and shipped to parents.

Not to mention that challenge coins are usually earned. They also have a long and interesting history so it’s disappointing to see them included as just another gimmick item without explanation (that’s on the company of course, not the fault of the reviewer).

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mtvb

Certainly a box full of patronizing military memorabilia, perhaps appropriate for family…I guess. As for the challenge coin, I think this could work for someone just starting active duty–maybe. I agree with other commenters that stuff can be easily obtained on any base.

In my time in the service, I had a unit-specific challenge coin and coins to reward others for outstanding deeds. The challenge coin was used, as reviewers pointed out, to challenge others. Whoever couldn’t produce their unit coin would buy drinks.

The reward coins, on the other hand, were something completely separate. 100% of the coins I received and gave were not really Armed Forces specific (like the one in the box) but person/position specific (General Smith, SecDef, etc.).

This was just my experience so others may have used their coins interchangeably.

My two cents… pun unintended.😊

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Lorilei

Thank you Emily,

Very well said!!

I’m Proud to have past, present and future Military in the family. Including U.S.C.G. (US Coast Guard)

And “Earning” Coins is something to be Very Proud of. It takes work and dedication! And I hope your words can help civilians look into the items, reasons and history, before a hasty purchase of the box.

As you said, it’s not the fault of the reviewer. But the Company making gimmicky boxes.

I believe we should have more Respect for the Military that fights for our Country and our Freedom!

Thank you again Emily. For your time and service.

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