Lifesavers <br> Bulls corral 230 pints in three blood drives Published Aug. 24, 2011 By Lisa Lynn Keesler Blood Doner Center KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Recently, the 335th Training Squadron, composed of Airmen, Sailors and Marines, hosted its third blood drive this year in the weather training building, bringing their total collection numbers to more than 230 pints. The Armed Services Blood Program provides an excellent way for military members and their families to show their support for one another in a concrete, meaningful way. Giving blood to the military blood program allows donors to be there for friends, neighbors and comrades-in-arms when they need the precious gift of blood. Because red blood cells and platelets have short shelf lives, the need for blood is continuous. It's only through volunteers that the program is able to meet the needs of servicemembers worldwide who are in need of blood. By giving blood to the program, life-saving blood products are available whenever and wherever they are needed. Donors participate in base blood drives for many different reasons. Some donate to help their fellow servicemen; others donate in remembrance of a fallen loved one, but many just want to support the men and women who serve. One such donor is Air Force retiree Robin Gardner, a 335th TRS meteorology instructor since 1993. "I donate because it makes me feel good and I'm saving lives," he said. Gardner has donated over agallon of blood to the ASBP. His wife of 32 years, Yoko, joined the Keesler Blood Donor Center in January as a medical laboratory technician. No matter what moves a person to donate blood, they all have one common goal; to help save a life. As the 335th TRS continues to host blood drives every eight weeks for the ASBP, the Keesler Blood Donor Center will continue to support the military men, women and families in need of life-saving blood. To schedule a blood drive, call 376-6100.