News

Coins will honor victims of helicopter crash


By Bernie Delinski
Staff Writer

Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 3:45 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.

A friend of one of the three Air Evac Lifeteam crew members killed Dec. 30 in a helicopter crash in Colbert County has found a unique way to honor the victims and assure they are always remembered by their peers.

Michael Sheedy will have challenge coins printed in honor of Michael Baker, Tiffany Miles and Allan Bragwell.

Sheedy got to know Baker when Baker was a U.S. Coast Guard pilot, through Sheedy’s work in the Law Enforcement Aviation Coalition. The coalition is a Winthrop Harbor, Ill.-based organization that helps provide air support for law enforcement and rescue agencies at no cost.

“I thought this would be a perfect tribute, one that I can carry with me every day,” Sheedy said.

A challenge coin helps signify membership in an organization to help promote unity and morale. It has long been used by members of military units, but the tradition has expanded those in civilian emergency fields, as well as other organizations.

Part of the idea of the coin is for members to always keep it with them. The concept of the name “challenge coin” comes from the notion of someone challenging you to see if you have it with you.

An image of the coin can be found at valorfromabove.com/ael/16.

“Right now, I just have my e-mail up there,” Sheedy said. “I’m trying to gauge what the interest will be so I’ll know how many to order. The more that are ordered, the less expensive the coin. All the money will go to the families, and I’ll cover any additional cost if needed.”


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  1. kf8wo says...
    January 15, 2008 3:54:17 pm

    RE: http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20.../NEWS/463579936/1011

    Good luck Michael with the coins. I hope a lot of people will love this idea -- I know I do. Precious lives lost in such a tragic way should be remembered. God bless the families

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  2. OriginalBama says...
    January 15, 2008 5:33:29 pm

    Good luck with the coin thing...... too bad the TimesDaily couldnt get the link right...... here is one that works. http://www.valorfromabove.com/ael16/default.htm

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  3. Maggie2 says...
    January 15, 2008 8:13:21 pm

    I can get info from this, but I can't get it to take my order. I am very interested in supporting these families as best I can.

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  4. monster says...
    January 15, 2008 9:51:27 pm

    from what I can tell, its a gauging interest thing as of now. if you send your email/phone number, I imagine you will be contacted. to get a final price, they need to know about how many are needed.

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  5. Knucklehead17 says...
    January 16, 2008 5:26:59 am

    Best of luck with the coins! I think that this is a wonderful way to remember those that we lost that day. I look forward to being able to support the families in this way.

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  6. Taciturn says...
    January 16, 2008 5:30:41 am

    I gave my info....maybe there will be enough of an interest that it will be a go.

    Report this post

  7. zann says...
    January 16, 2008 6:12:43 am

    Me too,you have my full support.

    Report this post

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