MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION, Minn. -- In a moment’s notice, a life can be on the line requiring a need for blood. The need may be for a loved one. It may be for a friend. It may be for a co-worker. Or it may be for a complete stranger.
On Thursday, July 14, 2016, the Global Vikings of the 934th Airlift Wing held their second blood drive of the year doubling their ante with making a difference. The men and women of the 934th already serve their nation as members of the Air Force Reserve. Some of them also donate blood during one of the three annual blood drives hosted by the wing or by donating on their own time.
“Because I cannot physically donate, I try to do my part by coordinating these blood drives for the wing,” said Nancy Ripley, 934th Airlift Wing secretary. “The need for blood is never ending and I certainly appreciate all of our members who come out to participate as well as those supervisors who allow them to do so.”
According to the American Red Cross website, the need for blood is constant and donating is important to sustain a healthy and reliable blood supply. Additionally, donating blood can be an easy and rewarding experience. “I had a great experience today at the blood drive,” said Master Sgt. Erica Hokkanen. “It was faster than usual thanks to the ‘Rapid Pass’ process and my technician Krysta was friendly and efficient too!”
Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of many. Although the whole process takes about an hour, the donation itself is usually only about 8-10 minutes. The steps associated with the process include registration, a health screening and mini physical, the donation itself, and finally refreshments.
The shelf-life for red blood cells is 42 days and a healthy donor can actually donate every 56 days with their blood potentially saving up to three people.
“I really enjoyed learning that my blood could save up to three lives,” Hokkanen explained. “I plan on donating at future blood drives on base whenever I am able to because I feel that it is important and worthwhile if my blood can benefit someone else.”
Despite falling slightly short of a goal of 43 donations because of donating restrictions, the wing still had 37 volunteers successfully donate blood.
Essentially, you don’t need a special reason to give. You just need your own reason and many at the 934th will continue to do so as they continue to serve our Nation in more ways than we know.