916th supports American Red Cross

Published May 4, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Alan Abernethy
916th Public Affairs Office

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Airman of the 916th Air Refueling Wing helped provide life-saving blood as the American Red Cross held a drive here, in the base theater over the April drill weekend.

"It was a great success with more than 30 people coming out to donate," said Margaret Taflinger, lead American Red Cross volunteer for the base. "Both reservist and active-duty members supported us by distributing cookies and juice to the donors."

Donors were military members, spouses, retirees, and civilian employees, said Taflinger. Some who attended were donating for the first time or the first time in many years.

Among those was Col. Gregory Gilmour, 916th ARW commander, who said he hadn't donated since he was in college, added Taflinger.

"The experience made me feel a little woozy, but it felt great to give to others," said first time donor, Staff Sgt. Carla Hollowell, 916th Force Support Squadron.

The American Red Cross hasn't sponsored a blood drive here in more than five years, said Taflinger. The event was such a great experience that the organization would like to plan another here very soon.