Maintaineers hold third blood drive in fical year

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky -- Soldiers assigned to the 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, in conjunction with the Red Cross, held a blood drive May 30, 2013 at Fort Campbell, Ky.

This marks the third blood drive held by the 801st BSB " Maintaineers" this fiscal year but the first since the 4th BCT "Currahees" have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"This is our third blood drive that we've done with [the Red Cross]," said Jennifer Constantineau, the Family Readiness Group leader for Company C, 801st BSB. "We've been very successful been very successful previously and we are hoping to repeat that success with the Rear [Detachment] element."

While the majority of the Maintaineers are deployed on their next rendezvous with destiny, the Soldiers of the 801st BSB that remain are still finding avenues to support the fight.

"It provides me with a really good sense of pride," said 1st Lt. Ronald Weaver, the rear detachment commander of Co. C, 801st BSB. "As a medical company commander, I have a really good understanding and knowledge of the fact that any blood that's donated, goes to save someone's life whether civilian or Army, any aspect."

By holding such events, the Maintaineers have contributed to an increase in blood donations from Fort Campbell within last fiscal year.

"This fiscal year, after the end of [May], we will have collected as much as we did all of last year," said Carolyn F. Petty, the Donor Recruitment Representative for the American Red Cross Tennessee Valley Region. "It's really been stepping up."

Petty also praised 801st BSB for the reliable punctuality, patience and positive outlook they bring during the donation process.

Constaintineau, an emergency care nurse and former Soldier, expressed feelings of satisfaction because of the importance of such events.

"It makes me feel incredibly helpful and useful as a member of society because I know how much good donating blood can be," she said. "I always have had to use blood and give blood to people and it has saved countless lives."

For more information about the process of donating or coordinating an event, your unit can contact Carolyn Petty at petty@usa.redcross.org or by phone at 1(800) 253-0957 extension 7858.

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