FORT HOOD, Texas (ASBP, September 3, 2010) - Helen Gardner may be known as Queen Helen to some but for the recipients of blood donations collected at Fort Hood for one blood drive she may be an angel.
The energetic co-leader of the Bravo Company, 115 Brigade Support Battalion, assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, arranged an Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) blood drive for eligible troops and family members at the battalion headquarters on September 3, 2010. Like many units at Fort Hood, the Muleskinners of the 115th recently returned from a deployment to Iraq. Working with leaders, family members, and newer Soldiers that had not deployed, Gardner put together a successful blood drive.
"I feel that not everybody is doing all they can do for our troops overseas. I've sent care packages but they are taking bullets for us. We can take a needle." Gardner's husband works as an armament section sergeant maintaining fire control systems. She swims, dances, cares for children, and works with the family readiness group to engage families of the unit's Soldiers. She shares the duties with Valerie Riley. "We are co-FRG leaders. We really want to thank the Bravo Company commander. Capt. Gratzez' support was the key to our success here."
Units at Fort Hood are on frequent rotation schedules that would seem to limit blood drives. But with nearly 400 new Soldiers a week pouring into the large post, every unit has enough troops and volunteers to put together successful blood drives.
One of the young troops donating blood in the headquarters' conference room was Pvt. Dyshan Gaines, an information technical supporter from Brooklyn, New York. "Anytime I get the chance to donate blood I do. I donate back home but this is my first time with the Army. I will definitely do it again." After his donation, Gaines enjoyed homemade snacks and trail mixes prepared by the FRG.
Army family readiness groups are a key part of the strategy to engage, inform, and support families and deployed troops. They operate communication chains, help each other with children, shopping, and other separation issues, and ensure that deployed troops can concentrate on their missions without worries.
Gardner and Riley are re-invigorating the unit's FRG. "I like it because it helps with family members that are new to the unit. If they don't have anyone to talk to I can let them know what's going on. That helps our Soldiers. Our chain of command really supports the FRG. As a co-leader, I can tell you that is a big thing. Go Muleskinners!"
Next, the pair moved out to wait for a meeting to break up. "We are going to challenge the general and the division sergeant major to give blood or just to visit." The top leaders were busy this day, but Gardner and Riley's energy ensured the success of the drive nevertheless.
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