Fort Hood blood donor inducted into Donation Hall of Fame

By Mr. Perry Jefferies (Army Medicine)December 22, 2010

Director thanks Ron Decker
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Portrait of Ron Decker
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Ron Decker presentation
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FORT HOOD, TX, October 20, 2010 --On Oct. 20, 2010, Ronald Decker, a Robertson Blood Center donor and volunteer was inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame. This award, sponsored by a leading healthcare company focused on the development and marketing of products and services for the transfusion medicine industry, recognizes individuals nationwide who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to blood donation.

"It's a fitting tribute to one of our most dedicated donors and volunteers," said Robertson Blood Center Director Lt. Col. Dennis Dombrowski. "He has selflessly given the gift of life to troops and family members in need and is a hero to our community."

Decker has been a longtime donor to the Armed Services Blood Program at the Robertson Blood Center. He is one of 13 inspiring donation stories across the country selected for the Fenwal 2010 Donation Hall of Fame.

As a frequent and familiar visitor at the donor center, he has convinced several other people to become recurring blood donors. He has a great relationship with the staff at the center and is patient and understanding. All have come to appreciate the sight of his motorcycle in the parking lot.

Decker also serves as the marshal and senior ride captain of the local Patriot Guard Motorcycle Riders. In this capacity, he has coordinated escorts for dozens of military funerals and events on post like the III Corps Commander's motorcycle safety program Phantom Thunder. He has accompanied many Patriot Guard Riders on their first blood donation at the Robertson Blood Center and helps convey the importance of blood donation to others.

Blood centers across the country submitted nominations for this year's Donation Hall of Fame. Winners were chosen based on their demonstrated commitment and passion to donating blood. Decker, along with others that were honored, received a custom trophy and copy of the portrait used for the Hall of Fame and will be featured in a 2011 product-dating calendar provided to U.S. blood centers.

"Each and every donor inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame is an amazing individual, and we are honored to be able to recognize Mr. Decker with this award," said Ron Labrum, Fenwal president and CEO. "The gift of blood is a gift of life and we hope these donors' stories will inspire others to support their communities through blood donation."

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 with some of our staff or to get the latest news, visit us here: www.facebook.com/militaryblood.

Disclaimer: Reference herein to any commercial products, companies, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Armed Services Blood Program. The views and opinions of authors expressed in material published by any other trade name or trademark herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Armed Services Blood Program, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Related Links:

Armed Services Blood Program

Military Blood Donors