News from the Armed Services Blood Program
Issue No. 81  |  March 24, 2015

From the Desk Of:
Navy Capt. Roland Fahie, Director, ASBPO

Navy Capt. Roland Fahie, ASBP directorGreetings! Welcome to the March edition of Focal Point! In this issue, we celebrate Women's History Month by introducing you to several influential women in the military blood banking community. I encourage you to join us and as we honor the many women -- both military and civilian -- who have made great strides in their personal and professional lives. These women continue to help us achieve our mission of providing blood and blood products whenever and wherever they are needed the most. Their efforts help us save lives of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families worldwide.

As always, please remember to share your stories with us. Our donors, volunteers and supporters are the heart of the military blood program. We want to hear from you, learn what you are doing and find out how we can help you save lives. Remember, you all are the Armed Services Blood Program!

Respectfully,
Capt. Roland Fahie
Military Blood Program Celebrates Women's History Month

Celebrating Women's History Month
We proudly celebrate Women's History Month. Join us in recognizing several influential women of the military blood banking community and hear what they have to say when asked the question: "What does it mean to be a woman in the military blood banking industry?"
Army Lt. Col. Audra Taylor
Army Blood Program director
 
Army Lt. Col. Audra Taylor
Army Lt. Col. Carmen Bell
ASBP deputy director of operations
 
Army Lt. Col. Carmen Bell
Retired Air Force Col. Suellyn Wright Novak
Air Force Blood Program director, 1987-1993
2013 ASBP Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
 
Retired Air Force Col. Suellyn Wright Novak
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Deirdre Desmond
Division Head, Blood Processing Division Lovell Federal Health Care Center
 
Celebrating Women's History Month (Navy Lt. Cmdr. Desmond)
No Uniform Required
The ASBP Focal Point civilian hero of the month

Vikkie Fernette, ASBP blood donor recrutier, at the Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center in Ohio
Ms. Vikki Fernette
ASBP blood donor recruiter
Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

"Being a woman in military blood banking, especially with the ASBP, is an amazing high! Just knowing I personally have the power to make a difference in the lives of those who serve my country is mind blowing. I may play a small role compared to those in combat, but am proud to look at my job as contributing to a very essential mission in life."
Checkin' in with the:
Armed Services Blood Bank Center at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Army Spc. Alisha Kohler

   

She's been with her unit for a cup of coffee and yet Army Spc. Alisha Kohler has passed one of the most difficult tests the Army offers, earned the Iron Warrior award and won Soldier of the Year. Not a bad start for the three year, five-footer working for the blood donor center at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Learn more.

Industry News

Pathogen Reduction Technologies for Whole Blood (AABB News) 

Clinical research trials for the Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System are moving forward and researchers hope to have the system ready for emergency whole blood transfusions soon. Learn more

Featured Video

 

Sailors discuss their reasons for joining the Navy, how their families feel about it, and what it is like being a woman who serves in America's Navy. (Video from the America's Navy YouTube channel) 
Pins and Pints
The ASBP Focal Point pin of the month
Lillian Kinkella Keil    
Lillian Kinkella Keil, flight nurse during two wars, made 250 evacuation flights (23 of which were transatlantic) during World War II and 175 evacuation flights during the Korean War, becoming one of the most decorated women in United States military history. You go girl!

See more great images on the ASBP's Pinterest page.
Spring into action, give blood
About the ASBP
The ASBP plays a key role in providing quality blood products for service members, veterans and their families in both peace and war. As a tri-service organization, the ASBP has many components working together to collect, process and store, distribute and transfuse blood worldwide. Learn more on the ASBP website.