Troops give back with life-saving donations
Lance Cpl. Paul D. Zellner

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa (February 6, 2009) -- Whether wounded in combat, involved in an accident or undergoing basic medical procedures, many people find themselves in need of blood at some point in their lives. Statistics show 25 percent of the U.S. population will.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the blood used for Status of Forces Agreement personnel comes from the Armed Services Blood Bank located on Camp Lester. The blood bank supports more than 175,000 beneficiaries including eight military medical treatment facilities. It is the DoD's largest overseas blood distribution center. The distribution center relies on donations from U.S. personnel.

Giving blood may take a half hour out of someone's day, but could help up to three other people live, including the donor, said Petty Officer 1st Class Kishan Harripersad, the battalion legal chief with 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.

"So many people, for whatever unfortunate circumstance, need blood and we produce it ourselves," Harripersad said.

"There's no greater gift than to give," he said.

Mayo Clinic statistics show that only three to five percent of eligible donors take the time to give blood, but the number of blood transfusions increase by nine percent each year.

Someone who suffers a typical combat wound or severe trauma can require up to 40 or 50 units of whole blood, said Petty Officer Kris Barber, lead petty officer with the ASBB.

The blood bank hosts drives all over Okinawa at least four times a week, Barber said. The blood also goes to places such as mainland Japan, Korea, Guam, Philippines, U.S. military ships and combat zones, he said.

There are many positive aspects to giving blood other than saving lives. It can be considered a mini-physical training session, because donors burn aboaut 650 calories while giving one pint of blood. It can also alert a donor to a potential medical problem, because passing a screening is a requirement before donation.

The ASBB collects blood from service members, civilian employees and dependents from all over Okinawa. To schedule an appointment, call 643-7737. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Building 6017 on Camp Lester.

Ellie