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Warriors of the North pay it forward with blood drive

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --   The 319th Medical Group partnered with the DAK-MINN Blood Bank to help local hospital patients in need.

The 319th MDG hosted a blood drive August 6 at Sven's Den next to the Prairie Rose Chapel here.

"We love coming out to the base because, with the exception of traveling overseas to areas that place restrictions on blood donating, service members typically make excellent candidates for blood donations," said Monica Jassen, donor resource coordinator for DAK-MINN Blood Bank.

Jassen said that according to her experience 80 to 90 percent of service members make excellent candidates because they're generally in good health.

She attributed this trait to the fact that U.S. military members are prohibited from using illegal drugs, and they exercise as part of the military's fitness requirements.

Results of the total number of blood units collected were made available by DAK-MIN blood bank a few days later, which made one NCO enthusiastic about sharing the news.

"We had more than sixty units of blood collected for the third consecutive year," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Sullivan from the 319th Medical Support Squadron, who helped coordinate the recent blood drive.

Sullivan had hoped that a little friendly competition for bragging rights between the 319th MDSS and the 319th Medical Operations Squadron would encourage more participation and set a new mark for donations.

The base as whole came up five units short from tying the record of 70 units netted in 2013, but the 319th MDSS and 319th MDOS did tie for first place among squadrons with the most donations.

"As a base we may not set a new record the way I'd hoped for; however, the most important thing is that we seized a great opportunity to help local patients in need." said Sullivan. "That alone is something the Warriors of the North can take great pride in."

According to the American Association of Blood Banks, a single whole blood donation typically provides enough components (red blood cells, platelets, and plasma) to save three lives.

Taking that information into account, the 65 total units of blood netted during the drive has the potential to save 195 lives.

Nine of the units of blood collected were from Airmen assigned to the 319th Communications Squadron.

One of those Airmen was Master Sgt. David Evans, who has made donating blood into a normal part of his life.

"I've donated blood too many times to remember the exact number," said Evans with a smile. "What I can tell you for sure is that I've donated every time could since I first joined the military in 1996."

Evans is not alone in the selfless endeavor. He mentioned that his wife, Joyce, is also a frequent donor.

"Plainly and simply put, it's our way pay it forward," Evans added.