Coin honors Air Evac crash victims

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

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

Sheedy said he got to know Baker when Baker was a U.S. Coast Guard pilot and Sheedy was working 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 (the coins) 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.

The coin design can be found at valorfromabove.com/ael/16.

One side of the coin shows a medical helicopter and three stars. "The stars represent the three souls," Sheedy said.

It also has the words "Air Evac Lifeteam 16, Muscle Shoals, AL.", and, "Last flight completed 1 2/30/2007."

The reverse side has the names and images of Baker, Miles and Bragwell, along with a ribbon, and states, "You gave your lives to save another. You are missed. You are remembered."

Two fig leaves are included in the message, as signs of peace.

The coin is 1.75 inches in diameter and includes a high gloss silver base with color on both sides, Sheedy said.

Living in Chicago, it's difficult for Sheedy to generate word of the coin to the Shoals, so he hopes the Internet and word of mouth do the trick. Anyone interested in purchasing a coin can e-mail Sheedy via a link on the Web site or directly at msheedy@airsupport.org.

"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. If I under-order, I can always order more."

He estimates the price will be $10 to $20 per coin.

Baker's sister, Elizabeth Baker, said the family is touched by Sheedy's gesture.

"That's one of the nicest things I've ever heard of, as far as honoring them in that way," she said. "I can't wait to give my son one of the coins.

"Everything everyone has said and done has just been such a testament to the kind of people Michael, Tiffany and Allan were."

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@timesdaily.com.