FORT SILL, Okla. (June 6, 2013) -- With the tornado that damaged more than 1,300 homes throughout Moore and Newcastle, Okla., Soldiers from the 214th Fires Brigade wanted to help as soon as possible, in any way possible.
When the 168th Brigade Support Battalion received word that blood was needed, the unit coordinated with the American Red Cross out of Dallas to hold a blood drive May 28, at Honeycutt Fitness Center.
"It is important to donate blood because someone is in need of it every second, and right now the Red Cross is short of blood," said Sherri Gant, American Red Cross supervisor. Blood is the one product that cannot be made in a lab and the only way to get it is through voluntary donation.
"With all the disasters, the Red Cross is running low on its blood supply," said Gant. "One unit of donated blood can save three people lives."
Soldiers and civilians took time out of their busy schedule to donate blood.
"The reason I donated was because of the disaster that happened May 20 in Moore," said Spc. Kathleen Owen, an ammunition specialist assigned with A Company, 168th BSB. "The people of Moore need help and giving blood is one way that I can help them out."
Owen said she was able to give blood for the first time, because she never never before met the minimum weight requirement. Having donated she felt good knowing she would help someone out.
"You are doing more than just giving blood, in some shape or form you are helping save someone's life down the line," she said. "Also, I want to thank the American Red Cross for making this blood drive possible."
The Soldiers and civilians gave 31 units of blood, which may save up to 93 lives when the call comes.
Related Links:
ArmyLIVE Blog: Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Disaster Recovery Center Locator
VIDEO: Soldiers use battlefield technology in search for Oklahoma survivors
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Humanitarian Relief: Tornado Relief Efforts
STAND-TO!: U.S. Army Support to Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Operations
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