Honor Guard gives back by giving blood

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
Washington (AFDW) --  The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard will be hosting a blood drive Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. at the ceremonial hall on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C.

"I hold these drives because I feel like I can do more than just render honors at funerals," said Senior Airmen Timothy DeJong, Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman. "I can have a direct and significant impact on the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen that are in the thick of it."

The Honor Guard hosts a blood drive each quarter on their campus. Their goal is to donate 55 pints of blood to the Walter Reed Medical Facility, Bethesda, Md., that treats the wounded warriors returning from combat.

"Learning that the blood was going to military members and their families really piqued my interest," said DeJong. "Once I really began to think about where the blood was going, I really began to get involved and get others involved as well."

Anyone interested in donating blood Monday can walk-in or make an appointment. The Armed Services Blood Program will provide free snacks and gifts to donors.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.militarydonor.com and use sponsor code: bollAF. Please contact DeJong for more information at (202) 404-7498.