Airmen shatter blood donation record

Airman, Sept, 2004 by Carolyn Knothe

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airmen from the 82nd Training Wing shattered their own record recently by donating 1,341 units of blood in a single day.

Last year, base donors set the state's single-day, single-site blood donation record when they donated 1,151 units, earning the national "most first-time donors" award from the American Red Cross.

One pint of blood, the amount one person donates, can save up to three lives, said event organizer Maj. Michael Dennison, 82nd Medical Group medical administrator.

The blood collected by Operation Present Arms will help two organizations: the American Red Cross and the Armed Forces Blood Program at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Major Dennison said.

The American Red Cross shipped its portion to Tulsa, Okla., for processing and future use throughout Oklahoma and Texas. Blood donated to the armed services program will be processed at Lackland for worldwide distribution.

Carolyn Knothe

82nd Training Wing Public Affairs