Robertson Blood Center Celebrates Donors at Annual Donor Appreciation Ceremony

Every year, the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) at Robertson Blood Center (RBC), Fort Cavazos, Texas, holds their Annual Donor Appreciation Ceremony. The event is held to honor, thank, and congratulate donors on a job well done, for giving the gift of life to those in need, the world over. Active-duty military, veterans, and their families are the largest contributors to the donations received at RBC on a near daily basis for the military and family communities. The center is honoring them for their continued service to the military community through regular blood donations.

The Annual Donor Appreciation Ceremony was opened by Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Earl Granville. On Granville’s last deployment, he lost much of his left leg to a roadside bomb while on patrol. He also reflected on the tragedy of the loss of two of his teammates who paid the ultimate price that day, Major Scott Hagerty of Stillwater Oklahoma, and Specialist Derek Holland of Wind Gap Pennsylvania. Granville told the story of his final tour and the events that occurred in his life after. He also detailed how through blood donations and the bond between those in the recovery hospital with him, he was able to push through stronger than ever and become the man he is today.

“We have to understand the importance of giving blood for our armed forces community. Society may not see the outcome, but the lives you are saving when you are giving your time and a part of yourself when donating is essential. I am a literal example of living proof because of our donors.” Granville shared.

RBC welcomed and awarded many individuals and command teams at this year’s ceremony. Awardees were recognized for both whole blood donations and plasma donations, awarding the highest achieving Brigades and Battalions for participation in blood drives as well.

“The donors have given us so much over the past year, that this event is a small token of our thank you to them. There continued support through blood donations is the literal life-source of our program, and we look forward to them and others continuing to donate.” explained U.S. Army Cpt. Patrick Kaer, Director of the RBC.

The battalion with the highest amount of blood donors for the year of 2023 was the 20th Engineering Battalion under 36th Engineering Brigade, followed by a close second place from 6-56 Knight Hawk under Divisional Artillery (DIVARTY) Brigade. This award was followed by the top Brigade, or Regiment, which was taken by 3rd Cavalry Regiment followed by DIVARTY in a close second for top Brigade.

The Annual Donor Appreciation Ceremony was closed out with remarks from the ASBP Deputy Division Chief, Dr. Mary Ann Spott. Spott gave information regarding the need for blood used in everyday occurrences and surgeries. These treatments can seem routine with modern medical technology, but they are not possible without an ample supply of high-quality blood products.

“Around one in seven people who are admitted to the hospital require blood for their treatment. A victim in a single car accident can require as much as one hundred units of blood, and an individual can donate one pint every two months. A hip replacement can take up to ten pints of blood and a heart transplant can be around thirty. These are everyday surgeries, and it all adds up,” shared Dr. Spott.

Blood donations are needed in many stages of hospital treatment, and even during childbirth. Donors like the ones celebrated at this year’s ceremony can have a large impact with even a single blood donation. This one donation can positively impact the lives of three patients.

The Armed Services Blood Program – known as the Military Blood Program – is the official military provider of blood products to U.S. armed forces. The ASBP is a joint operation among the military services. The ASBP provides quality blood products for service members, veterans and their families in both peace and war. ASBP also works closely with civilian counterparts in times of need.

Robertson Blood Center is open Monday through Friday from 0730 to 1530 to receive donors giving the gift of life. Follow RBC on Facebook, @FtCavazosRBC, to find their mobile blood drives. You can also schedule an appointment at www.militarydonor.com or give them a call at (254) 285-5808.

The team at Robertson looks forward to another amazing year of blood donations and to thanking their donors at the next Annual Donor Appreciation Ceremony.