Giving blood, saving life

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 50 Desert Lightning Team members gathered at the Mirage Club to give blood to the American Red Cross, May 21.

D-M hosts a blood drive at least once every other month. Sixty pints of blood were collected, falling short of the goal of 100.

"We did not meet our intended goal, but we are extremely grateful for the support received and will continue to host drives every other month," said Senior Master Sgt. Jackie Pryor-Walters, 355th Dental Squadron superintendent.

Not all Airmen were eligible to donate due to specifications set by the American Red Cross.

Airman 1st Class Charles Walton, 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, was able to donate blood, but he could not fill the required amount. According to the American Red Cross, there is a minimum requirement of one pint of blood per donor in order to be used by recipients. Walton was about 30 milliliters short of a pint. Although he was short, they can still use the blood for testing and research.

"It's rewarding I have the opportunity to donate because a lot of people can't," Walton said.

D-M is scheduled to have another blood drive in July, while the maintenance group is scheduled to host their own in June. Pryor-Walters' encourages other groups and squadrons to host blood drives.

"The impacts include enhancing relationships with the local community," Pryor-Walters said. "Those who donate or volunteer should have a sense of helping those in need. If the need arises, these same donations may be used to save a fellow Airman's life."