“Fightin’ Fifth” Soldiers Set Records with September Blood Drive

Photo By Sarah Lopez | Alannaruth Davis, Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center phlebotomist, prepares Army Capt. Cody Loose, 595th Sapper Company commander, to donate blood at the 5th Engineer Battalion’s ASBP record-setting drive Sept. 29.  

FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO, UNITED STATES

10.28.2021

Story by Carl Norman 

Defense Health Agency

“Fightin’ Fifth” Soldiers donated 106 units of blood to the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) Sept. 29, earning them several spots in the Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center’s record book.

The 5th Engineer Battalion warriors captured the No. 6 spot on the donor center’s all-time single-day donations list which dates back to 2011. They have also logged the largest single-day donation to date in 2021 which tops the previous 82-unit mark tallied in January, which they also set.

Additionally, the Sept. 29 effort made these warriors the newest members of the donor center’s 100-unit club, a designation reserved for organizations that donate 100 or more units of blood in a single-day drive. No unit has hit this milestone since Bravo Company, 554th Engineer Battalion donated 101 units Jan. 28, 2020. This is the 5th Engineer Battalion’s second entry in this club. Back in October of 2018, they donated 101 units.

Keeping in mind that each donor can potentially save up to three lives, it was a rewarding accomplishment knowing that these donations could possibly provide enough units for an average size Army company. Additionally, this drive saved the government thousands of dollars by removing the need to purchase products from a commercial blood collection organization. These are accomplishments that Army Lt. Col. Stewart Bailey, 5th Engineer Battalion commander, takes great pride in.

“Our Soldiers understand selfless service and the importance of the blood program, and when given the opportunity to help, they’re more than willing to do so,” he said. “We all joined the Army to provide safety and help care for others. Donating blood is a simple way to do just that.”
Although the individual reasons that caused these engineers to donate differ, the theme in their motivation was the same – doing a little can help a lot.”

“This is my first time donating and I wanted to help out any way I could,” said Army 1st Lt. Aaron Schneck, 5th Engineer Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company. “It’s very simple and doesn’t take much time, so everyone needs to step up and do their part to save lives.”
Regarding his unit’s record-setting effort, Schneck said he’s proud because, “We step up in times of need and help any way we can.”

Army Capt. Cody Loose, 595th Sapper Company commander, echoed those sentiments.
“Donating is giving back to people who need it,” he said. “Hospitals need blood to save lives. One hour of your time can save a life.” He went on to say that he’s also proud of his unit’s record-setting donations despite having two companies deployed.

“We’re a very cohesive unit and work well together,” Loose said. “We’re individualized by company, but step up collectively to answer the call when it comes.”

The Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center (FLWBDC) collects blood for the ASBP, the official blood collection of the Department of Defense (DoD). Collected blood goes to medical facilities at deployed locations around the world and to military hospitals throughout the DoD. The military healthcare system requires hundreds of units of blood every day and it is the ASBP's mission to ensure it’s available.

“So, if you have your health, celebrate it by giving blood to those who are not as fortunate,” said Army 1st Lt. Tae Kim, FLWBDC officer in charge. “These 5th Engineer Battalion Soldiers demonstrated the power that true compassion for others can have. Will you do the same?”

For more information about the FLWBDC, or to make an appointment to donate, e-mail [e-mail] or call [phone].

About the Armed Services Blood Program
Since 1962, the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) has served as the sole provider of blood for the United States military. Our mission is to provide quality blood products and support to military health care operations worldwide. The ASBP collects, processes, stores, and distributes blood products to service members, their families and retirees in peace and war. In an ASBP Enterprise view – Military Health Affairs, Defense Health Agency, Service Blood Programs and Combatant Commands - we operate under common goals, metrics, procedures and work together to shape the future. Our program also works closely with our civilian counterparts in times of need to maximize the availability of this national treasure.

To find out more about the ASBP or schedule an appointment to donate, please visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil. To interact directly with ASBP staff members or get the latest news, follow us @militaryblood on Facebook, Twitter and @usmilitaryblood on Instagram.

• Date Taken: 10.28.2021
• Date Posted: 11.01.2021 08:32
• Story ID: 408261
• Location: FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO, US