| Armed Services Blood Program Newsletter |
15 July 2009 |
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From the Desk of:
COL Francisco Rentas, Director, ASBPO
I can truly say that we successfully operate because of the goodness of our supporters' hearts. It takes time and effort to walk into a blood donor center and give blood. Equally, it takes a team of professionals to ensure that all logistics and operational measures have been evaluated and re-evaluated, so that our donors can give blood to our cause.
It is because of these supporters, donors and staff alike, that we have put together this month's newsletter, to share with you their accomplishments and to show our heartfelt appreciation for all they do.
We would not exist without them.
Warm regards,
COL Francisco Rentas
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The Adventures of Jim and Linda
Donating Across America- for the Armed Services Blood Program
 Jim and Linda Parker have taken over America's roads, and are heading to every ASBP blood donor center within the United States. They have made it their personal goal to reach every military blood donor center by Summer 2011, and they are well on their way. Jim and Linda started their blood donating journey for the ASBP in June when they donated platelets at The Pentagon. They have since donated whole blood and platelets at Fort Lewis, WA, Naval Medical Center San Diego, Fort Bliss, TX, Fort Sam Houston, TX, and Lackland Air Force Base, TX. The Parkers have undertaken an incredible challenge---their mission to raise awareness of the very real need for blood. We thank you for your dedication and wish you safe travels!
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MemorialColonel (Retired) William Hann, Ph.D. The ASBP has lost a true friend with the passing of Colonel (Retired) William Hann, Ph.D. Dr. Hann played an integral role in shaping the Blood Bank Fellowship program as it is presently run and his memory will live on as countless Blood Bank Fellows receive not only their Specialist in Blood Banking certifications but also graduate degrees from an accredited university. Former students and close friends of Dr. Hann's, Dr. Patrick Monaghan and Tony Polk express their gratitude and admiration for this true pioneer in our online article. |
Retirement
LTC Michael Lopatka entered the US Army in October 1987 following completion of an ROTC scholarship and commissioning as a Second Lieutenant. He has a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology from the University of Scranton, PA and a Master's degree in Health Sciences with a Specialty in Immunohematology from The George Washington University, Washington, DC.
LTC Lopatka joined the Armed Services Blood Program Office (ASBPO) in July 2006 as the Deputy Director and in October 2008 assumed the position of Director of the Army Blood Program. Those who have worked with LTC Lopatka, whether for one day or 10 years, immediately take to his upbeat demeanor and sense of humor. His extensive knowledge of blood banking shines through in the stories he regales colleagues with, collected over the years during his hands-on approach to blood banking.
As ASBPO Deputy Director, LTC Lopatka, among numerous other tasks, represented the DoD on several national committees, shaping blood policy and establishing federal regulations for blood product purity and patient safety. In addition, LTC Lopatka consulted with the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center and reviewed an improved Blood Risk Index system for identifying the safety of blood products for US Forces operating in foreign countries.
In his role as Director of the Army Blood Program, LTC Lopatka developed and implemented blood policy letters on various topics including an update to donor lookbacks and infectious disease notifications and a standardized operating procedure for the implementation of updated bar code label printers for blood product labels. He served as Vice-President for the Society of Armed Services Medical Laboratory Scientists, a Tri-Service medical laboratory organization with over 500 members.
LTC Lopatka's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC); Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC); Army Achievement Medal; the Southwest Asia Service Ribbon with two Campaign Stars; the Expert Field Medical Badge, and various service awards.
These accomplishments, commendations and awards show what his many colleagues and friends would agree is a great friend, team member and leader who is always ready to give. The ASBP bids farewell to an individual with endless energy and an undeniable passion for our mission. We are grateful for all the honorable work that LTC Lopatka has accomplished on behalf of the ASBP. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!
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 Blood Donor Center Profile
U.S. Pacific Command Armed Services Blood Bank Center, Okinawa, Japan
About
The Okinawa Blood Bank Center is home to the Department of Defense's Armed Services Blood Bank Center (ASBBC). It is the seat of blood operations and the sole source of blood products for the entire U.S. Pacific Command's 18 medical treatment facilities.
Blood Donor Recruiter
Ingrid Nelson, 011-81-611-743-7710
DID YOU KNOW?
The Okinawa Blood Bank Center is the Department of Defense's largest overseas blood center. It is critical in support of over 185,000 beneficiaries. Blood products collected on Okinawa are routinely shipped throughout Japan, Korea, Guam, Hawaii and numerous ships throughout the USPACOM area of responsibility. The Okinawa Blood Bank Center's main mission is to provide blood products to USNH Okinawa, 12 hospitals throughout PACOM, afloat and deployed units, and as tasked- such as for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
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