Legionnaires give gift of life during post blood drive

During a recent blood drive event at Springfield, Va., Post 176, Legionnaires and members of the local community donated more than 59 units of blood.

Community service is a pillar Legionnaires strive to uphold every day of the week. Since its inception in 1942, The American Legion’s Blood Donor Program has created countless opportunities for Legionnaires and their fellow community members to help save lives by contributing blood and platelet donations to the American Red Cross.

These donations are critical – especially during times when Americans are unduly affected by catastrophic weather conditions, said David Ross, the Red Cross donor recruitment department account representative. Due to the current needs of the Red Cross, there is a high probability that blood donations collected at the post may travel down south to affected areas, Ross added.

The recent wake of Hurricane Matthew’s destruction continues to impact the Southeast region of the country. “Flooding and damage from the storm are hurting our ability to collect blood and platelets in impacted areas – and the need for platelet donations is particularly critical right now,” Gail McGovern, president and chief executive officer of the Red Cross, said during a recent call-to-action. “It’s important to remember that trauma victims, surgery patients, those with cancer and many others count on lifesaving blood and platelet donations each and every day.”

Ross expressed appreciation to the Legion for the tireless efforts of the post members and community volunteers that have made the post’s bi-monthly blood drive events a success for the past 20 years.

“I continue to give blood because I like giving back to the community,” said American Legion District 17 Chaplain Charlie Buettner, who has been donating since 1968 when he first joined the Air Force. “It is important that we support our communities and show concern for our fellow mankind.”