Spc. Sarah Donnell, of Headquarters & Headquarters Company AMCOM, contributes at Friday’s blood drive in the housing area. At right is MaShawn Hampton, charge nurse for the American Red Cross.
Spc. Sarah Donnell, of Headquarters & Headquarters Company AMCOM, contributes at Friday’s blood drive in the housing area. At right is MaShawn Hampton, charge nurse for the American Red Cross. (Photo Credit: Skip Vaughn) VIEW ORIGINAL

Redstone housing residents are continuing this installation’s tradition of rolling up their sleeves for blood drives.

Fifteen people, including two from off post, participated in the Hunt Military Communities drive held Friday for the American Red Cross. A bloodmobile was parked that afternoon near the Hunt office.

This was the second year for Hunt’s blood drive. Their next effort is scheduled Oct. 14.

The number of donors increased from last year’s 13.

“I think it’s been really great,” David Ugarte, resident service specialist for Hunt, said. “The fact that this year we had people that don’t even live here.”

They filled more than half of the 23 open slots for blood donors and hope to do as well in October.

Lt. Col. Vendeck Davis, a staff officer in Army Contracting Command, was among the donors.

“I just think it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “I’m getting email all the time about blood shortages. So if you’re able to, it’s important to support the local community. Because someday you might need blood.”

Redstone resident Sherrie Hodges, wife of retired Lt. Col. Cliff Hodges, knows firsthand the importance of giving blood.

“My son is a survivor of childhood cancer. And during his treatments he had to have a lot of blood transfusions,” she said. “So that is why I give blood.”

Her youngest son, Landry, 24, is a six-year cancer survivor and is doing well. Her other son, Cliff Jr., 28, is an Army captain.