FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Two Fort Leonard Wood training companies had nearly 300 Soldiers give blood to the Armed Services Blood Program, earning them membership in the Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center’s 100-Donor Club.
Company A, 701st Military Police Battalion logged its first listing in the club with 118 eligible donors Aug. 25 while Company A, 787th Military Police Battalion etched its second entry in the club Sept. 8 with 177 eligible donors – the most of any club member to date.
“We can’t say thank you enough to these Soldiers,” said Capt. Nicholas Greene, Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center officer-in-charge. “Their compassion is saving lives around the world.”
The Missouri-based donor center conducted several blood drives in 2024, each averaging about three dozen volunteer donors. The two newest 100-Donor Club members’ drive averages nearly quadrupled that mark, something Greene finds extremely encouraging.
“It makes me proud to see young men and women stand up for a cause that’s bigger than themselves,” he said. “Without them, we couldn’t accomplish our mission. Because of their generosity, many people have a better chance to win their battle with illness and injury.”
The 100-Donor Club is reserved for organizations that provide 100 or more eligible donors during a single-day blood drive. There are currently 19 members.
The blood center’s 100-Donor Club members have their unit name, number of eligible donors, and the drive date recorded on a plaque hanging in the donor center lobby. They also receive a “Giving 4 Living” streamer provided by the Association of the United States Army.
The ASBP is the official blood provider for the U.S. military, tasked with making quality blood products available to military health care operations worldwide. The program relies on volunteer donors to ensure a steady supply of blood is always available for those in need.
“As a leader, seeing our Soldiers rise to meet the needs of others embodies the Army Values and sets the example for others to follow,” said 1st Sgt. Michael Spearman, Company A, 701st MP Bn. first sergeant. “It reflects the strength of our unit’s morale and the level of cohesion we’ve built and shows that we’re not just a team focused on accomplishing missions, but one that contributes to our community in meaningful ways.”
1st Sgt. Jerime Brawdy, Company A, 787th MP Bn. first sergeant, echoed those sentiments.
“This accomplishment showcases our Soldiers’ willingness to contribute beyond their daily duties and demonstrates the impact we can have on the lives of others,” Brawdy said. “It fosters camaraderie and strengthens our bond as a unit, knowing that our efforts can save lives.”
Both first sergeants expressed deep pride in their Soldiers for stepping up for a cause greater than themselves and said club membership reflects greatly on their character and commitment to the Army Values.
“I’m proud to serve alongside these Soldiers, and this experience has reminded me of the powerful difference we can make when we come together for a common cause,” Spearman said.
“I hope this inspires others to engage in similar initiatives, fostering a culture of giving and support within the military and beyond,” Brawdy said.
For more information about the Armed Services Blood Program, the 100-Donor Club or to schedule an ASBP blood drive, call 573-596-6150 or email carl.a.norman2.civ@health.mil.
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