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.”

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20080115/NEWS/463579936/1011