Holloman to host blood drive, save lives Published June 26, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Holloman will host a blood drive at the Community Center June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and all donations will be used for military personnel worldwide. 2nd Lt. Drumarie Krusenoski, a base blood program officer from the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron, says the goal for this drive is to collect 80 units of blood to send out to military members in need. "It would be great if we could surpass that number and show that Holloman means business and supports the need for blood donors," she said. Currently, there is not a permanent blood donation center on Holloman, so Army personnel out of Ft. Bliss, Texas, with the Armed Services Blood Program will travel here to collect the donations. According to their official website, the ABSP is a joint operation among the Army, Navy and Air Force and their mission is to provide quality blood products to customers worldwide, from cancer patients to those who have been injured in war. "There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you helped saved someone's life, especially someone who gave it their all for our country. It is a very easy way to say thank you," Lt. Krusenoski said. "Knowing with my donation, and bit of my time, I can save up to three people's lives is something that I feel proud of." The process general takes from 45 minutes to an hour and members should bring their military I.D. Donors will be guided through prescreening, registration and a physical assessment and interview to ensure they are eligible to give blood. The lieutenant said that often times, people are unsure whether they are able to give because of deployments, tattoos, vaccinations and so forth. Members can find out if they're eligible by checking out the ASBP website at http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/can_i_donate.aspx. The next step in the donation process is the actual donation, and one Airman says this is the easy part. "It just felt like a little pinch for a second," said Airman 1st Class Eric Egdorf, 49th Force Support Squadron, who has donated in the past. "Then they give out free cookies and juice afterwards. Plus, it's going toward a good cause." Lt. Krusenoski said she encourages all Airmen to take a break out of their workday to come donate. "Military members are always trying to find ways to support each other in times of need and this is just one more opportunity out there," she said. "We are helping out each other and saving each other's lives. One will never know when they will need a blood donation and it is those who donate who give a person a fighting chance." For more information on donating, visit the official Armed Services Blood Program website at http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/.