WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the official United States military blood program, the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) is keenly aware of the role our volunteer donors play in helping to provide the vital elixir that is blood. Therefore, during the month of January, the ASBP celebrates those individuals who are the core of our program-our dedicated blood and platelet donors and sends out a heartfelt thank you to all!

The ASBP operates 22 blood donor centers worldwide, and virtually all blood donor centers are honoring their donors in special ways-from donor recognition ceremonies at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii, luncheons at the Pentagon, and gift-giving at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., to blood drives at Naval Medical Center, Calif., and get-togethers at Fort Hood, Texas. Our blood donor personnel know the value of a steady blood supply and are grateful for the support from those who donate in honor of our nation's brave military members and their families worldwide.

Remember, the act of giving blood is a generous and selfless gift. So again, during National Blood Donor Month, we salute you, our dedicated blood and platelet donors, and are inspired by the example you set for others. For those who have not had a chance to donate blood to the ASBP, how about a different kind of New Year's resolution' You, too, can become a regular blood donor and save up to three lives with just one blood donation. To find a blood donor center near you, or to find out more about what blood donor centers worldwide are planning during the month of January, please visit us online at: www.militaryblood.dod.mil.