The Eagle (scout) returns

By Mr. Perry Jefferies (Army Medicine)March 12, 2010

Eagle donation
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Justin and sister
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FORT HOOD, Texas (ASBP, Date) - Justin Brundin has accomplished a lot for the Armed Services Blood Program and a lot for Soldiers, like his dad, deployed all around the world. The one thing he was always too young for he finally accomplished this past Tuesday, March 9 as he donated his first unit of blood for his beloved military blood program.

Justin is the son of a Soldier, now retired, that deployed multiple times to Iraq in support of the Military Police Brigade at Fort Hood. A Boy Scout, he developed the Eagle Scout Blood Drive project as a step to earn top rank in the scouting program. Even after earning the coveted badge, he continued with the blood drive for three more years, eventually bringing hundreds of donors to the Fort Hood donor center.

Justin's first drive took place in October 2005 and his incredible enthusiasm was immediately apparent as Justin went to work creating video presentations and briefing commanding generals and retiree groups on post. He even recruited his entire high school cheerleading squad.

"With my dad over there in Iraq, it really hit me. That's when I came up with the idea for a blood drive. I thought I might not only be able to save my dad, but another kid's dad as well," reasoned Justin.

During his Eagle Scout badge ceremony, then-Colonel Lori Sutton dubbed Justin her "battle buddy for life" and presented him with one of her silver colonel's eagles from her uniform. The 4th Infantry Division commander, then-Major General James Thurman even appeared through a video link with Iraq. But the story did not end there. Justin recruited his friends and family and did it again. And again. And when his dad retired and the family moved South of San Antonio they returned to Fort Hood the next year and did it again. Indeed, the Eagle Scout Blood Drives continued until Justin entered college.

Now a geology student in his sophomore year at Sul Ross State University he recently visited the blood donor center during spring break. Accompanied by his sister, who was at his side when he first earned the Eagle Scout badge, Justin finally did the one thing he had never been able to do at Fort Hood. He rolled up his sleeve and donated a unit of blood.

"I thought it was about time. This is very important to me. I did donate one time at college but I wanted to make sure I gave this unit to the Armed Services Blood Program."

There have been many changes at the Robertson Blood Center since Justin's last visit - even construction - but the mission to quickly deliver blood to America's battlefields remains unchanged. The Armed Services Blood Program is the military's own and among the easiest ways to make a real difference for the troops deployed around the world.

Justin Brundin has made a habit out of making a difference for our troops and in March 2010, he donated a unit of his blood to save someone's life.

To find out more about the Armed Services Blood Program or to make an appointment please visit us online: www.militaryblood.dod.mil. To interact directly with some of our staff or to get the latest news, visit us here: www.facebook.com/militaryblood.