JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron sponsored a Joint Base Andrews blood drive, in conjunction with the Armed Services Blood Program, at the East Fitness Center here, June 16, 2016.
Air Force, Army and Navy members from JBA came out to support the event.
The ASBP is the official blood collection, manufacturing and transfusion program for the U.S. military and is one of four organizations that ensure the U.S. has a safe, potent blood supply.
Anyone receiving blood or blood products in a combat area will receive it through ASBP, according to the ASBP website. Since its inception, in 1952 by President Harry Truman, more than 1.5 million units of blood have been transfused for battlefield illness and injury.
"Members from 11th LRS coordinated the blood drive and secured the use of the fitness center," said Donna Onwona, ASBP donor recruiter. "They also encouraged other squadrons around base to support the blood drive."
One of the donors was Staff Sgt. Oscar Chavez, 779th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of outreach.
"I try to donate blood whenever I can," Chavez said. "It doesn't take much effort and it can save a life. Plus, I get a cookie!"
Tech. Sgt. Russell Achee, 11th LRS NCOIC of base maintenance and the primary coordinator for the ASBP and 11th LRS blood drive, hopes this event will be a launching point for the next one they host.
"Donating blood is very important and we hope to get more donors in seats," said Achee. "It's an easy way to continue to support the downrange mission without having to be there directly."
After leaving the blood drive, the ASBP team will send the blood to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, for testing.
"From McGuire, the donations will then be segmented into components and prepared for release," Onwona said. "The blood collected will be shipped into theater and locally to local medical treatment facilities around the National Capitol Region."
The ASBP will host another blood drive on base Aug. 16, 2016, at the East Fitness Center. More information about the ASBP can be found at
http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil.