It is with a grateful heart, a feeling of sadness and my utmost respect for the entire military blood program, that I end my tour of duty with the Armed Services Blood Program Office. For the last two years, I've had the privilege of serving as the director of this lifesaving program. I have been blessed with many friendships, learning experiences and memories that I will never forget. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing program and incredible team.

 

For the last 29 years, I have proudly served as a member of the United States Air Force and dedicated my career to the military blood banking community. I consider myself lucky to have spent my career in this field. What we all do day in and day out is save lives -- and that is an inspiring and fulfilling way to spend your life's work. I am honored to have worked with each and every one of you, and it is with a heavy heart that I now say "see ya around."

 

To all of the donors, volunteers and supporters who have helped the ASBP save lives, thank you. To all of the staff members here at ASBPO and the ASBP blood donor centers worldwide, thank you. And to all of the brave men and women who serve our country and help us bring blood to the battlefield, thank you. I wish you all success, good health and happiness wherever your future endeavors may take you.

 

Warmest wishes and a fond farewell,

Col. Richard H. McBride

The ASBP
recently updated the Frequently Asked Questions page on the website. The addition explains how you can be sure your blood is going directly to the troops -- both at home and overseas.

Find out how a small team at Fort Dix, N.J. in the midst of the Vietnam War helped shape the ASBP as it is today. Take a look back.

Husband and wife team Dave and Millie Peach have been married for 50 years this June, and they've been saving lives together for almost as long. Read their story here. 

Lance Cpl. Jeremy Sanabria, data technician with station data communications, donates blood during a blood drive aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 25.

Marines and sailors participated in the blood drive, hosted by the Naval Medical Center San Diego, outside the air station's Marine Corps Exchange. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Thorn, Marine Corps Station Miramar, 3rd Aircraft Wing) See more photos.

               

"Due to consistent community support for the military blood program, and the excellence of the staff at Robertson Blood Donor Center, there was sufficient inventory to respond to this crisis," said Army Blood Program Director, Col. Richard Gonzales. The ASBP offers condolences and sends wishes of grace and strength for the days ahead to our friends and family at Fort Hood.

Additional updates are available on the Robertson Blood Center Facebook page.

The Food and Drug Administration's Blood Products Advisory Committee has unanimously voted to recommend approval of Immucor's HEA Molecular BeadChip Test as safe and effective for the molecular typing of human erythrocyte antigen phenotypes in 35 blood group systems. Learn more.

Additional information is also available here.

The Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Blood Donor Center has been closed permanently, effective immediately, due to consolidation and staff realignment.  This closure will not affect the quality of services or the quality of blood products provided by the FBCH.  Blood products for FBCH patients will continue to be provided by the Armed Services Blood Bank Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Learn more.