McConnell aids Red Cross, earns national recognition

Published April 6, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- During a time of severe cold weather conditions, Team McConnell kept the warm blood flowing to the banks of the American Red Cross.

While thousands of blood drives where canceled throughout the nation, McConnell Airmen were helping fill a shortage caused by winter storms hitting the U.S. In order to thank McConnell, its supporters and donors, the American Red Cross National Headquarters took out a full page add in the March 17 edition.

"The Red Cross was in a national shortage and I am so happy that Team McConnell showed up to help," said 1st Lt. Carrie Kerner, 22nd Maintenance Squadron Blue Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant officer in charge and blood drive point of contact.

McConnell collected 130 pints of blood. The blood drive was a total force effort as many Navy, Army and Marine personnel also donated.

"Together we make great things happen," said Lieutenant Kerner. "Seeing the other branches here too help the local community was fantastic,"

Along with Team McConnell, one Airman has been giving blood since the Red Cross allowed her too at the age of 18.

"Helping save someone's life is one of the best things I can do, so that's why I donate every time," said Airman 1st Class Megan Williams, 22nd Logistic Readiness Squadron equipment accountability element technician. "What extra blood I produce I want to give."

Airman Williams and other Team McConnell members helped potentially save 390 lives. Knowing how critical the blood was for the Red Cross, extended hours for the blood drive were available to get more people in.

"We made the drive longer so we can get more people in and save more lives," said Lieutenant Kerner.

The event required more than 50 volunteers, from organizers to escorts.

"The American Red Cross in the Central Plains Region has always relied heavily on our Airmen at McConnell to help maintain an adequate blood supply throughout our region and beyond," said Dusty Buell, American Red Cross donor recruitment representative. "Without partnerships like the one between McConnell and the American Red Cross, we could not maintain the blood supply for our hospitals throughout the region.

McConnell may have been highlighted in a national newspaper for its contributions, but the blood won't stop flowing there as more blood drives are planned for 2011. The next one is May 6, 2011.

"Our partnership is a special one because the men and women at McConnell, no matter where they are from, come together and help our communities across the state," said Mr. Buell. "We know they are heroes year-round, and their contributions at the blood drive are just another example of this. The American Red Cross looks forward to continually growing this partnership, both now and in the future."