The Army-Navy football game is a long-awaited yearly tradition that has come to embody the spirit of their rivalry. This year, the Armed Services Blood Program has added its own flavor to the rivalry, by issuing a Blood Donor Challenge—just in time for the big game! From Nov. 28 to Dec. 9, 2011, six locations throughout the Washington metro area will compete against each other to see who will win bragging rights and a trophy for the most units of blood collected. (The winning Service will be announced and presented with the award on game day, on the field.)
“This is a great way to increase awareness of the Armed Services Blood Program while staying true to the rivalry that exists during the Army-Navy football game,” said Army Col. Francisco Rentas, director of the Armed Services Blood Program. “While this is a joint effort and our mission depends on all three Services, this rivalry is special.” He added a moment later, “Go Army!”
“With the integration of Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center a sense of camaraderie and teamwork has emerged,” said Chief John Newsome. “This pride in our jobs can be seen every day in the eyes of the patients and families we serve. I know that both the Army and the Navy will come out to support the command for this blood donation challenge. We are one team one fight, but for this competition I have to say. Go Navy, beat Army…!”
“This is the fifth Washington Navy Yard military blood drive I’ve been involved with, and each drive gets bigger and better than the last!” said Melissa Brenenborg from Internal Analysis and Review Branch SEA 00N3 of the Naval Sea Systems Command. “The civilians and military at the Washington Navy Yard are an incredible group. These folks work hard to support the war fighter every day and donating blood is just one more way that this group gives back. We are expecting an amazing turnout at this drive.”
“In this 112th meeting, I am confident that the Black Knights will do their best and win, but regardless of the rivalry or who wins, their sportsmanship is a testament to their respective institutions’ commitment to excel in developing our future leaders,” said Sgt. Maj. Hector Osorio, senior enlisted leader for medical services at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. “Go Army, beat Navy!”
“As we enter the holiday season I would ask that all service members, employees and family members consider giving the most precious gift there is, through a donation of blood,” said John Moeller, deputy garrison commander at Fort Meade, Md. “What a great way to start the holiday season, by helping to ensure that others are able to enjoy not only this holiday, but a lifetime of holidays.
The challenge kicked off yesterday at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., but there are still five blood drives left:
Fort Meade, Md., McGill Training Center: Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fort Belvoir, Va., Barden Education Center: Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
U.S. Naval Academy, Mitshner Hall: Monday, Dec. 5, 2011, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., Sail Loft Building 112/105: Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Gym: Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All blood types are welcome at any of the blood drives, so come out, donate and help ensure that your service takes home the prize! The winner will be announced on Dec. 10, 2011 during the highly anticipated Army-Navy football game at FedEx Field in Washington, D.C.
