(KOLD News 13, Tucson, AZ) - by Teresa Jun - Fort Huachuca is taking advantage of a military rule change that will help save lives. Until recently, only active-duty service members and military-related civilians could donate blood during military drives. But now, more civilians can roll up their sleeves.
When the U.S. military makes a plea for blood donations, you expect to see uniformed members answering the call. But now, more and more civilian segments of the population are trickling in.
"It's definitely good," said Andee Davidson, who showed up for a military blood drive on Fort Huachuca Wednesday afternoon. Davidson has no direct ties to the military, but has turned out to make a donation. "I feel like I can give back to my country a little bit, and do my part."
"The thought that you can help the Army in that way, it's a really cool idea," agreed Mallory Stewart, a fellow civilian friend who is also donating blood.
It's an idea that would not have been possible for Mallory and Andee just a year ago. It used to be that only active-duty service members, retired military, immediate family members of military, and civilian government employees were eligible to donate blood at these drives. But as of late last year, the military expanded its donor pool, inviting all civilians to come on post and donate.
"It helps us," said Staff Sgt. Michael Baker, with the Armed Services Blood Program. "It makes no difference where it comes from, we appreciate it, and it's wonderful."
The rule change comes after several citizens had pushed for a way to roll up their sleeves to support the troops. It also comes in response to the critical need for blood in combat zones.
"It is very critical," said Patricia Peterson, a Fort Huachuca blood drive volunteer. "Every single unit that we collect goes directly to our soldiers down range or in the Army Hospital."
For Mallory Stewart, some of her friends will be deploying in a few months, and the need for blood is starting to hit close to home. "They're giving their lives for us, so why not try to help them out," she said.
The military blood drive at Fort Huachuca continues Thursday, July 31. It will take place from 2:00pm to 8:00pm, inside Eifler Gym on the military post. The public is welcome. Blood donors are urged to drive up to the front gate, and they must show a driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card to proceed to the Blood Drive.
For more information on the Armed Services Blood Program: www.militaryblood.dod.mil