Greetings! Welcome to this issue of Focal Point! 2014 was a great year for the Armed Services Blood Program, and I am confident that 2015 will be the same.

In this issue, we highlight one of the ASBP's biggest events every year, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point blood drive. We also take a closer look at how the military blood program is supporting Ebola outbreak operations in West Africa. We feature stories from the commanding officer of the 440th Blood Support Detachment, Army Maj. Teresa Terry, and from the joint blood program officer for the U.S. European and U.S Africa Commands, Army Maj. Matthew Swingholm. Last but not least, we find out how the Fort Belvoir 300 Area Compound saved the day, and highlight one of the first blood drives of the year in Texas. I am proud of the great work that all of you are doing. There are many of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are at the deck plate, frontlines, and in your centers working hard to support our program. Please share their stories with us.

To all of our donors worldwide: keep the donations coming! January is National Blood Donor Month, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for supporting the red, white and blue. Our military blood program relies on your selfless donations to save the lives of the ill or injured service members, retirees and their families worldwide. Because of you, we are able to provide blood whenever and wherever it's needed the most, without interruption. Together, we save lives. Please join me in our quest to make 2015 an even better year. You are the Armed Services Blood Program!

Respectfully,

Capt. Roland Fahie

Despite some weather challenges, the ASBP collected more than 1,500 units of blood during the annual U.S. Military Academy at West Point blood drive. Thank you to everyone who made this year's blood drive a great success! Check out all of the great photos from the event.  

The 440th Blood Support Detachment supported Operation United Assistance in Liberia. The team deployed Nov. 28, and in just six days the team was 100 percent mission capable. Find out more.

Get an inside look at how the ASBP is supporting Operation United Assistance from Army Maj. Matthew Swingholm, the joint blood program officer for the U.S. European and U.S. Africa Commands.  

Learn more. 

Find out how a mobile blood drive team from the Armed Services Blood Bank Center

The Fort Bliss Blood Donor Center is kicking off 2015 right! On Jan. 5-6, the blood donor center conducted their first blood drive of the year with the 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment. In this photo, Army Spc. Brian Howard donates blood. "Why not donate?" he said. "It's the first of the year and a great cause." See more photos.