Airmen driven for a blood drive

  • Published
  • By Nechel Newton
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Propped up on a reclined seat, squeezing a foam ball every five seconds while eating a number of tasty snacks doesn't sound like a half-bad way to spend an afternoon. But what if you had to spend it by getting a needle in your arm?

Air Commandos have endless opportunities to give back to the local community, many requiring only a small donation to make a significant impact. In this case, the donation might be a little draining, but just by a pint or so.

The 1st Special Operations Medical Operations Group teamed together with the Northwest Florida Blood Services to hold a blood drive in the Hurlburt Field Commissary parking lot, July 20.

The 1st SOMDG holds the drive on base about every two months, but NFBS buses can be seen on base almost once or twice a month.

"What many people don't know is that giving blood is good for your body," said Jeanette Carder, NFBS community relations representative. "It works your cells and helps you stay healthy. It's like getting an oil change for your body."

Approximately 5,000 units of blood are donated each month, which can help save 15,000 lives. So with a pint of blood, you could be changing someone's life for the better.

"It is like we're an Air Force family, literally saving a life without thinking about it," said Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Haverkamp, 1st Special Operations Medical Support Squadron NCO in charge of outpatient records and event coordinator. "It's the human factor of people coming from their busy days to donate blood. It's people still thinking of people."

For more information about donating blood or the next drive, visit the NFBS website at www.nfbcblood.org.