529th MPs get to 'the heart' of their community

MANNHEIM, Germany - The company headquarters of the 529th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, located in Heidelberg, Germany, was transformed into a makeshift blood donation center Feb. 16 as Soldiers and civilians circulated through the building to donate to the Armed Services Blood Program.

Machines hummed and beeped as chairs filled with Soldiers - some eager, some nervous - all willing and ready to do their part to help their fellow troops.

The ASBP is a blood donation program supported by the military, for the military. Because of its limited resources, it relies on blood drives like this one to maintain its supply.

"All of the blood we collect is from the military community, and every drop we use is within the military community," said Mike Peacock an ASBP recruiter.

Assisting the community is something the 529th MP Co. has dedicated itself to, and they showed how much heart they have with this event.

"They've been motivated," Peacock said. "They sought me out."

The blood drive is a part of a larger community outreach program that the 529th MP Co. sponsors. Platoons within the 529th MP Co. organize quarterly community events that have included an after school reading program, a food drive, and a breast cancer charity run, said Sgt. 1st Class Philip Huestis, the 3rd platoon sergeant for the 529th MP Co.

Spc. Ryan Dowden, a military police Soldier with 3rd platoon, 529th MP Co., was a returning donor and happy to do his part, especially for those wounded in combat.

"I've donated before, and it seemed like the right thing to do for the wounded coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan," Dowden said. "It's one way to help out."

Knowing exactly where their donation would be going was a strong motivating force for many of the Soldiers who showed up to give blood.

"It's the fact that this goes to my battle buddies and nobody else - and they need it," said Sgt. David Shields, a team leader with 1st platoon, 529th MP Co.

At the end of the day, the blood drive brought in more than 30 donors. With each unit of blood capable of helping up to three troops, the blood drive may ultimately help nearly 100 servicemembers.

For those who would like to see information about upcoming blood drives, learn more about ASBP, schedule an appointment for blood donation or get more information, go to www.militaryblood.dod.mil.