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145th Airlift Wing airmen "Roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life"

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran
  • 145th Public Affairs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --  Airmen from the 145th Airlift Wing stepped into the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) Bloodmobile to donate blood during "Pints for Patriots" blood drive held at the North Carolina Air National Guard base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Many airmen took time out of their day to donate blood and plasma to CBCC, which in turn supplies blood to local area hospitals.  Staff Sgt. Bradley Hinote, 145th Communication Flight, was one of those airmen.

"My dad and several family members have gone through cancer treatments and have needed blood," said Hinote. "This blood drive gives me and other airmen an opportunity to maybe give someone else another day to spend with their loved ones, or even a second chance at life."

CBCC is honoring military members and their families by making a contribution to "Pints for Patriots" with donations given in the months of May, June and July.

"Our staff is so excited to be here," said Cheryl Gunter, recruiter for CBCC. "It is a great opportunity to be able to come to the Air National Guard Base and spend time with military members who were willing to help the local community keep our hospitals stocked with much needed life-saving blood!"

One in seven people entering the hospital needs blood, according to America's Blood Centers. Every day in the U.S. approximately 39,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer, other illnesses and those in need of organ transplants. This blood also helps save the lives of accident victims.

The blood donated by airmen at the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas stays in the community helping local patients. Blood donated during "Pints for Patriots" is split into three products - red cells, plasma and platelets. This means that the blood can be used to help three different patients in local hospitals! The whole process takes an hour or less, and in the end one walks away having saved up to three lives.

"As a child I was a recipient of donated blood," said Col. Marshall C. Collins, Commander, 145th Airlift Wing. "Sponsoring blood drives like this makes a direct impact on saving lives, and blood drives like these are just another way that the NCANG gives back to our local community."