Blood drives contribute to welfare of war-fighters Published Jan. 15, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Zachary Vaughn Air Combat Command Public Affairs LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) -- The Armed Services Blood Program is currently holding blood drives on military installations to help servicemembers and their families who need blood. According to Armed Services officials, the ASBP is always seeking donations because multiple blood types are in demand. "Blood is literally the gift of life," said Ralph Peters, ASBP Blood Donor recruiter, "It is only through the generosity of [donors] that we can sustain our quotas and meet our mission." According to Mr. Peters, the Defense-Department requirement for blood in a wartime contingency is 60,000 pints ready for use - all from donors. For the Iraq war, he said 100,000 pints were required. "With advances in medical technology, more lives are being saved on the battlefield," said 1st Lt. Candito Mendes, Langley Base Blood Program officer. According to him, this results in a higher demand for blood. Another factor contributing to demand is the finite shelf life of blood. According to Mr. Peters, donated blood expires after 42 days. For this reason, he said they ask donors to encourage friends and family to donate as well. According to Mr. Peters, the ASBP manages the colossal responsibility of supplying more than 1.3 million troops and family members with blood worldwide. There are times when ASBP is unable to meet the demand because of a lack in donations. During blood shortages, ASBP purchases blood from the American Red Cross to meet their quotas, said Mr. Peters. For this reason Sunee Marshall, Portsmouth Naval Station Phlebotomist, said it's very important donors give through a military facility. "If we don't have the blood to supply because there's a shortage, we have to turn to the Red Cross- and that's not free," she said. ASBP holds blood drives on military installations everywhere. For more information go to the ASBP Web site.