FORT LEONARDWOOD, Mo. –
The U.S. Army Recruiting Command headquarters team officially joined the Armed Services Blood Program family July 19, donating 44 units of blood in their inaugural drive.
Gathering in the headquarters’ command conference room at Fort Knox, Ky., Soldiers and civilians alike lined up to give during the five-hour drive. Since each donated unit can potentially save at least two lives, the Knox crew’s donations allows 88 blood products to be made available to ill and injured people throughout the Department of Defense.
The ASBP is the official blood collection agency for the Department of Defense, tasked with collecting the nearly 400 units of blood the Military Healthcare System needs every day, according to Marty Ricker, ASBP blood donor recruiter supervisor.
“We cannot get patients the blood they desperately need without people volunteering to donate,” Ricker said. “So if you have your health, celebrate it by giving blood to those who are not as fortunate.”
The Recruiting Command’s mission is to recruit enlisted and officer Soldiers to protect and defend the United States against all enemies. While building the force of the future is their main mission, supporting today’s force is equally important, according to Army Maj. Gen. Frank Muth, Recruiting Command commanding general.
“Donating blood is something we should all do,” Muth said as he was giving blood. “There are people who need us, and any time we get the chance to give back we must take that opportunity.”
Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy Ludwig, command legal administrator, echoed those sentiments. “Donating blood is one way everyone can give back to the force,” he said. “When a half hour can help save a life, why not do it?”
And Army Master Sgt. Bonnie Barr, command career counselor, said putting yourself in place of those people in need is a mighty motivator. “Think about that person needing blood and how you can help them survive,” she said. “I’ve always donated blood and am glad to have the opportunity to help.”
The Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center, which provided the collection team for this inaugural drive, collects blood for the ASBP, the official blood collection agency for the Department of Defense. Collected blood goes first to medical facilities in Afghanistan and other overseas contingency areas around the world. One out of four service members admitted to a medical facility in those areas require a blood transfusion.
Collected blood also goes to military hospitals throughout the DOD. The military healthcare system requires about 400 units of blood every day and it's the ASBP's mission to ensure it's available.
“The Recruiting Command team demonstrated the power that true compassion for others can have,” said Army Staff Sgt. Michelle Church, blood drive team lead. “The support from top-down leadership really put into focus how necessary that compassion is to those standing in harm’s way today.”
For more information about the Armed Services Blood Program, visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil. For more information about the Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center or to make an appointment to donate, call (573) 596-5385.
About the Armed Services Blood Program:
Since 1962, the Armed Services Blood Program has served as the sole provider of blood for the United States military. As a joint operation, the ASBP collects, processes, stores and distributes blood and blood products to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families worldwide. As one of four national blood collection organizations trusted to ensure the nation has a safe, potent blood supply, the ASBP works closely with our civilian counterparts by sharing donors on military installations where there are no military blood collection centers and by sharing blood products in times of need to maximize availability of this national treasure. To find out more about the ASBP or to schedule an appointment to donate, please visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil. To interact directly with ASBP staff members, see more photos or get the latest news, follow @militaryblood on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube, Pinterest and @usmilitaryblood on Instagram.
The Armed Services Blood Program is a proud recipient of the Army Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Public Affairs award for journalism.