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AIR EVAC LIFETEAM 16
~ MEMORIAL CHALLENGE COIN ~


UPDATES

03/17/2008 - Coin Update

The coins shipped this afternoon so everyone should be receiving them by the end of the week. As such, I have fulfilled every order I received that has been paid for. If you ordered and paid, but do not get the coins by mid next week, please let me know.

03/15/2008 - The coins have arrived and I will be busy packaging them up over the next day or two. All coins should be shipped out on Monday and on their way to you!!!

I have now disabled the ordering page. If you are interested in obtaining a coin please contact me and I can advise if I have any more available.
There is also a chance we may be able to provide some to the Helen Keller Hospital Gift shop for resale. I will post information here if that becomes a reality. Please do not contact the gift shop and request coins at this time.

From this point forward, if I do have coins available, they will only be shipped via USPS and a shipping charge will apply.

03/12/2008 - The coins have finally shipped!!! I have received the tracking information and it looks like (if all goes well) that I will have the coins in my hands by Friday evening (03/14/2008). I will be packaging them up and sending them out as soon as possible, and plan on having them in the mail to everyone by Monday or Tuesday. All orders and/or payments received after this time will only be sent by US Mail.

Please do not forget to visit the wiki after you get your coins and share with everyone else you thoughts and feelings.

03/05/2008 - Much like you, I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the coins. When the order was placed I was told it would be 10-14 days for production, and then 2-3 days for shipping (to me). We are now well passed that point and I have been in contact with the company making the coins.  This morning I received an update from them, of which is included below.

Although they have not committed to a ship date, I am hopeful in speaking with them further that the coins will be shipped to me within the next week.
 
I can however guarantee that they will then be shipped out to all of you the very next day after I receive them. I have already prepared all of the packaging, envelopes etc, addressed them, and they are sitting waiting to be stuffed with coins!!!
 
To explain the delay a little further, on the face of the coin that has the images of Mike, Tiffany and Allan, the original design called for that entire side of the coin being one image. When I refer to an image, I mean that they were going to create an "photograph" of that side, and then place that photograph as the coin face. This would have also precluded any of the actual coin showing through. I did not like that idea. Instead, the coins were ordered with each portrait being a separate image. This increased the coin cost slightly, but allows for the coin color to show through not only behind the images but around the outside also. As a result, they now have to place each image separately (3 times per coin for 600 coins), and then encase that entire side with an clear epoxy dome to protect the images. I can understand the additional work and time required and am confident the end result will be stunning. 
 
I will send out an update email AS SOON as the coins are in the mail to you or your distributor.

02/11/2008 - The order form is now ready and we are taking orders. Please review the following details before placing your order:

COST: The donation per coin has been set at $10.00 HOWEVER you may donate whatever you feel is appropriate
DELIVERY
: You may select to pick up the coin from a distributor in your local area or pay for USPS shipping.

You can review the local distributor list here or review the shipping charges here.

SHIPMENT: The coins are in the manufacturing process and are due to be delivered to me within the next 14 days. I hope to begin shipping them out the week of Feb 25, 2008.


02/04/2008 - The final proof has been added (below) and the coins have been ordered!!! Thank you to everyone who helped in contacting the families and getting updated pictures.

I will be adding an ordering page by the end of the week. You will have the option of ordering as many coins as you would like, but I do ask you stay close to the initial number you originally submitted. We are limited to about 500 coins in the first batch (based on interest). If those become depleted, we will re-order coins so everyone will get one. During the ordering process you will also be asked for the price per coin, and you can pay any amount above $10.00. Payments will be accepted online through www.paypal.com or you have the option of mailing me a check or money order.

You will be required to decide whether you will pick the coin up from a "local" distributor and avoid shipping costs (a list will also be posted) or pay actual cost for shipping (or at least as close as we can estimate!!!). There will not be an excessive shipping and handling charge.

Minting will take between 10 - 14 days with a couple of days to have them shipped to me. As soon as I receive them I will be turning them around and getting them out to you.

I will be sending out an email when the ordering page is online and also when the coins are ready to be shipped.

01/25/2008 - I add added some comments about Allan. I have also removed the request page in preparation for the ordering page that will be added sometime early next week. 

01/22/2008
-
I have received an updated picture from Tiffany's family and that has been added to the proof. I have also received numerous offers for local distribution points, thank you so much!!! I will map those out on a Google Earth overlay today and post that for viewing. This information will also be included on the final order form. Sometime this week the final ordering process will be determine and details will be posted.

01/17/2008 - I sent out an email update today on the coins. Click here for copy of the email.

01/16/2008 - Article about the coin runs in the Times Daily newspaper. I would like to personally thank Bernie Delinski at the Times Daily not only for his interest, but continued support and compassion.

01/15/2008 - I have been contacted by Michael Baker's family and they are going to select a different photograph of Michael to use on the coin. I think it is only fitting that the families have this opportunity. If someone from Tiffany and Allan's families would like to send a photo it would be greatly appreciated!


STORY BEHIND THE COIN
When this tragedy happened I felt completely helpless. How this event affected me was quite a shock as I had recently spent the more than 4 years dealing with death daily on an intimate level as a death investigator. I spent days trying to come to terms with what had happened and then started thinking of ways that I could help. Not only help myself, but everyone who has been touched by this loss, and especially those family members left behind.

As a result, I decided to mint a "challenge coin" in memory our loved ones onboard AEL 16.


ABOUT THE COIN

The current proof has been posted below for comment. I anticipate the coins being available for shipping sometime around 01/28/2008.

100% of the proceeds will go to the families of those lost. The funds will be deposited into the trust account that has been set up.

The coin will be 1.75" in diameter, a "high gloss" silver base with color on both sides.

Pricing is estimated to be between $10.00 and $20.00 per coin inclusive of shipping. The lower cost will make it available to a wider group, but will provide less funds to the families. If multiple orders from the same area/agency are made I would like to combine shipping to maximize the donation amount to the families. The coin will also be provided to the immediate family members of crew of AEL 16 at no cost.

If you would like more information on where challenge coins came from, visit Wikipedia for the details.


INTERESTED IN PURCHASING? COMMENTS? SUGGESTIONS?

If you would be interested in purchasing coins, we will be adding an ordering page on this web site sometime in the next week. An email will go out to those who have already submitted their interest in getting coin, and I will also post a copy of the same email here. Please do not worry, it is not too late to order a coin. The request page was posted to gauge the interest so we could order as close to the correct amount of coins as possible.


WHO IS MAKING THE COINS?

The coins are being made by "All About Coins". I would like to say a sincere thanks to Richard and Matt who have been extremely helpful along the way, responded to all of my questions, and even extended a discount on our order.

Click the logo to visit their web site. You can not order the AEL16 Coin from them directly, but if you ever need coins, pins, or patches made please keep them in mind.


FAQ's

Are these going to be made?
Yes, these coins WILL BE minted and made available in the very near future. My original intention was to gauge the interest in the coin so I did not order too many. As a result, the interest has been overwhelming so now it is just a matter of finalizing the proof and ordering enough to cover every ones requests.

How can I order one?
The ordering process is just about finalized, and information will be posted here and emailed out to those who have already submitted the request page, or those who contacted me directly.

Are you going to make any money on these?
Absolutely NOT.
Originally I was looking to have something I could carry with me to remember my close friend Michael. That thought evolved into the challenge coin you see here. Due to the number of coins we are now looking at minting, the sales will cover the costs associate with producing the coin, and then any additional funds will be distributed to the various memorial funds established in honor of the 3 crew members. I wanted to first provide everyone with a special memento, and then second assist the families where possible. We will also be providing copies of the coin to the immediate family members or the crew at no cost.


COMMENTS
Since I posted the web site, the emails I have received have been overwhelming. This shows as a true testament to the kind of people Tiffany, Michael and Allan were, and just how much each one of them was loved. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me and shared their feelings.

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THESE COMMENTS AND REFLECT UPON HOW SPECIAL THESE THREE WERE.

"This is wonderful. Thank you"

"I think this is a wonderful idea and way to help the victims families. May God be with you all."

"I think this was a great idea. My husband worked with Allan at Keller Ambulance and lost a great friend."

"I would like to say thank you for doing this it is a great idea. I am in the US Air Force Res. and it is a huge deal to us, I know they will go over well. Again thank you."

"I think that this is a wonderful way to honor the memories of these courageous Heroes."

"My mother was flown from ECM Hospital in Florence, AL to Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL by this crew just hours before their crash. Thanks to them my mother survived to live one more week. Unfortunately she died on Jan. 5, 2008. Not only has my mothers death affected me greatly, but the deaths of these three wonderful people weighs heavily on my mind also. I think it is great that you got the idea to create this coin."

"My mother was Allen's partner for years at Helen Keller Paramedic Ambulance Service before she retired. She thought of him as a son. We are really going to miss him."

"This is Amazing!"

"The price of the coin is not important, whatever it will cost. Thanks for all that you are doing for our crew."

"Thank you for doing a nice deed."

"I am a Colbert County deputy and have worked with our air evac team many times. This coin is such a perfect gesture of keeping their memories alive. Thank you for doing this. I look forward to getting a coin from you. Again thank you."

"Whatever the coin cost it will be worth it."

"Awesome idea."

"I'm an employee with Colbert county 911 and EMA. I was on scene the night of this tragedy, and I personally knew Allan Bragwell. In my opinion this coin is a great way to honor these three heroes so that they may live on in our hearts and never be forgotten. Thank you for you time."

"Allan was a good friend of mine, having worked here in EMS for 25 years..We are mourning the loss of one of the finest, as they all were. Thank you, for a lasting tribute to them."

"I am from Muscle Shoals, and work at Helen Keller. I would be willing to promote this around the hospital and our area if you would like me to."

I am currently a Flight Paramedic with Huntsville Medflight and was very good friends with Allan and Tiffany. I had gotten to speak with Mike on a couple of occasions and always heard wonderful things about him as a person and as a pilot. This tragic event has really shaken up a lot of people in our area. It has been tough on everyone around here as I know it has been for you. I am very appreciative of the wonderful things you have had to say about these 3 and really like the coins. They look excellent and that is a great idea!!! I personally know that I would purchase at least 2, no matter what the cost is and would be glad to help pass the word on any way that I can. Please feel free to call me or email me at any time and I will help in any way possible. Thanks again."

"I went to school with Alan. He was a great guy. My brother worked the crash site with the fire department. He said it was terrible. My prays go out to the families. Alan, Tiffany, and Michael will all be missed but will always be remembered."

"You done a wonderful job they are beautiful and I hope you have good luck with them"

"thank you for doing this. I still carry the one my brother gave me before his first tour in Afghanistan."

"I salute your efforts."

"I work in a local ER that worked closely with Allen and also Tiffany several of us would be interested in these coins, they were wonderful well loved people."

"I did not personally know any of the victims, but had talked to all of them. They had taught an LZ class to the VFD that I'm a member of. This is a GREAT idea, thank you. I know that other members of our department will be interested in purchasing these also! Thanks."

"I'm overwhelmed by your gesture to this team. That's such a great idea."

"This is so awesome!"

"Thank you for honoring our friends this way. I flew with all three of these guys on numerous occasions and went to church with Allan and his family."

"I think that is a great idea. Keep up the good work."

"This coin is exceptionally beautiful! Great job."

"This is a great idea and tribute to these fine souls that touched so many lives."

"I think it is beautiful just as you have it."

"I am a lieutenant with the Underwood-Petersville Vol. Fire Department in Florence, AL where Allan volunteered his time as a paramedic. I just want to let you know that I knew Allan really well and he was a lot like Michael that is he was a caring person as well was Tiffany. So thank you for taking your time to think of and design this coin. Godspeed and may you always find a tail wind through out life."

"Thank you for this beautiful remembrance of 3 wonderful heroes!!"

"I think you have had the perfect idea. Everything about the coins looks perfect. GREAT JOB !!"

"Thanks so much for creating this page and giving everyone the chance to have this coin. I worked for 7 days straight after the day of the accident at the Air Evac Communications Center and I can tell you that the sadness felt here was heart-wrenching. We watch all these guys and gals fly everyday and we consider all of them our brothers and sisters. Losing them was, and will continue to be, just as painful as if they were our own kin. Cheers to you for creating this place (and this coin) so that we can share and remember our three friends."

"Just thank you for being such a great friend to Mike. He and Allan and Tiffany were such great people!"

"The coins looks GREAT!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for thinking of this way to honor the crew members of AE16!!!! As Membership Coordinator for AE15 in Cullman, Al, I have worked closely with this base since I gained the position in August 2007. Mike Baker was the pilot on my first PR flight outside Haleyville, AL, in which he will always hold a special place in my heart, as do all three crew members. Their shining lights will be missed greatly."

"Thank you very much for doing this. These people put their lives on the line, to save other's. I'm a Ham Radio Operator and realize the importance of communications during emergency and crucial situations. Emergency personnel realize it even more on a daily basis. My prayers are with the family's of the crash victims. Thanks again."

"Thank you.............I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Michael but as an ER Nurse at Keller Hospital, I had the joy of working with Allan for 17 years. Tiffany was a part of my of my life for 8 years. God Bless you!"

"I'm a member of New Betel Fire and Rescue I did have the pleasure of working around all three members. They always had a smile on their face, you could tell they loved what they did. My heart goes out to the families."

"I think the design is great and is a great memorial for our dear friends that we lost in this tragedy. You did an outstanding job and have a wonderful idea."

"This is wonderful things that is happening to honor Allan, Tiffany, and Mike. I had the pleasure of knowing all of them. I work at Air-Evac 16 with all 3 for about 1year. I had to leave because I got married and moved away. I knew Allan for about 6 or more years I have had the pleasure of going on short trips and other activities with Allan and his wife. I knew Tiffany when she worked at Helen Keller Hospital and also with along side of her at AE16 she was the most kindhearted Christian woman I have ever seen. Mike was a real joy to be around a great safety conscious pilot. Thank You for doing this it is a wonderful thing."

"I Worked With Allan And Tiffany even though I did not know Michael I have seen him on scene flights. I want to thank you for what you are doing to honor all our friends may God always bless you and your family."

"I really think this is a great thing you are doing. Wish you the best of luck with this."

"Thank you so much for doing this. It means a lot to me."

"This coin is exceptionally beautiful! Great job."

"I think that is a great idea. Keep up the good work."

"A very nice way to help the families and to remember our crew members."

"I think this is a wonderful idea."

"I think the coin looks great. I knew Allen and had met Tiffany. Unfortunately, I didn't know Michael. I wish I had. I work at Huntsville Medflight and was on duty when the accident occurred. We received a request to respond to the site, but were unable to, due to weather. I definitely want a coin. Thank you for doing this!!!!

"This is a great idea!"

"The coin is beautiful. I am a communication specialist at Air Evac's headquarters in Missouri. I have to say I was surprised at how perfect the colors of the aircraft are and the photos on the coin are awesome! Thank you for you initiative and caring attitude. We as communicators are sure to never forget this tragedy and this coin will help. Again, thank you."

LATEST COMMENTS

"It sounds like you're organizing an amazing tribute to these wonderful people and their families!!"

"This memorial coin is most eloquent and representative. It will be a constant reminder of the clear and present dangers associated with this type of profession and how these three awesome people placed the priority of giving definitive medical care, compassion, mercy, and servitude to a complete stranger above this. It will remind me how truly fragile and vulnerable "Life" can be, and how I should embrace every moment with family and friends. This coin will also remind me to celebrate their lives. After hearing and reading from all that knew them, I simply say, WOW!"

"I think this is a very thoughtful and positive way to remember these three courageous people & their families. Thanks for all the work & effort that has gone into this memorial."

"Thank you so much for honoring our friends in this manner!"

"Thank you for making these available to us."

"THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL COIN AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT"

"I am very impressed with the current design. I think it is a great honor and tribute to 3 very wonderful people. Thanks."

"I am chief of Oakland VFD here in Lauderdale County, Al. We new the flight crew & worked with them regularly. My wife, one our EMT's had actually flown with Mike a few weeks back. They all truly will be missed, but they are an inspiration for all of us whom work to help others in their time of need. With these funds going directly to the families, it means so much to us. These coins are a great way to remember the sacrifice of these true angels and these are to be passed out to our members in memory of AE 16."

"Whatever your price I will be willing to pay. Thank you for doing such an great thing."

"Thank you for doing this!!!"

"I was a good friend of Allan's, and I think this would be a wonderful tribute."

"I think you have done a wonderful job. The colors on the air-craft are great. The picture of Mike is great also. I worked with Mike at AE 16. He was a great, caring person. I wish I was half the person he was. I enjoyed flying with him and he had all of my respect."

"It really looks awesome - I would not change a thing!"

"it will not matter to me if the price is $10.00 or $20.00. It will be for a good cause. I didn't know them, but I have been the vol. fire dept. an EMT and a driver in the rescue unit and a medic in the National Guard. Thanks"

"I THINK THE DESIGN IS VERY COMMEMORATIVE. I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING."

"Thank you for your effort!"

"I want you to know how much I appreciate what you are doing to honor my nephew, Michael. This coin is certainly a lasting memorial. Although I chose $15 for the purchase of the coin, I will pay whatever amount is decided on. Thanks!"

"It's beautiful how you have designed it"