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Team Shaw supports blood drive

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Team Shaw members gathered at the fitness center to donate blood for the American Red Cross blood drive March 14.

"We had about 38 volunteers who came out to donate," said Larry Huff, 20th Medical Support Squadron American Red Cross station chairman.

"When people come out to donate, the collections technicians take about a pint of blood which can save up to three lives depending on the circumstances of the patient the blood goes to," Huff explained.

It's important because donating saves thousands of lives, expressed Huff. "The donations that are given in the state of South Carolina stay in the state," he added. "We don't get nearly enough as needed and usually end up having to receive from other states."

"I usually donate every quarter; I've missed a couple, but I try to donate about four times a year," said Huff.

Quarterly and/or annually, there are a lot of people from around base and other locations who donate often, he continued.

"I try to donate as often as I can," said Ashley Gabel, wife of U.S. Staff Sgt. William Gabel, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron electronic warfare systems team member.

The American Red Cross usually holds blood drives on Shaw quarterly, Huff said. "But squadrons around base are also able to hold them as well. For information they can either call the Sumter Donation Center or me."

Although many people may want to donate and don't know how or where, they can always keep an eye out for signs posted up at the most visited locations around base. "If anyone wants to donate, they don't need to wait until every quarter," explained Huff. "We really appreciate all the people who come out to donate," Huff expressed.