Laughlin blood drive ends in success

Published July 14, 2011
By Laura Salazar
47th Flying Training Wing public affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Laughlin members helped save lives with a blood drive held at the Laughlin wing chapel June 30.

The blood drive was hosted by the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center and Laughlin had a goal of 100 units of blood and 50 new bone marrow donor registrations.

"At the end of the day, we had 117 units of blood and 57 people for the bone marrow registry. We were happy to achieve our goal," said Capt. Shawn Chaney, event organizer from the 84th Flying Training Squadron.

The 47th Communications Squadron had the largest showing of 14.2 percent at the blood drive. The 84th Flying Training Squadron followed with a 13.5 percent showing.

"Donating blood was a good experience. It's great to know I helped to save lives," said Airman 1st Class Amy Manibusan, 47th CS knowledge operations manager.

Laughlin is set to hold another blood drive this November.

"We hope to have the next blood drive around Thanksgiving with the same goals. Even if people are certain they are unable to donate blood, they are still able to become bone marrow donors," said Chaney.