Army and Air Force ROTC go head to head in upcoming blood drive
Utah State University’s Air Force ROTC is preparing to host a blood drive competition against the Army ROTC on April 15. Donors of all blood types are encouraged to contribute much-needed donations to help supply the American Red Cross.
The ROTC has hosted a blood drive on campus for the past several years. Air Force Captain Ryan Gillespie, who was tasked with organizing this year’s event, hopes to get even more participation this time around.
“We have a goal of reaching 69 units,” Gillespie said, which would require approximately 70 donors. “Last year, I want to say it was 64 or 65.”
The blood drive will be held in the TSC Sunburst Lounge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 15. Sign-up is available online at redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=USU%20ROTC, and walk-ins will be accommodated first-come first-serve.
Air Force Cadet Thomas Dryden has also been involved in planning the event.
“It’s aimed to be the biggest blood drive for the school campus,” Dryden said.
The Army and Air Force have a traditional rivalry, and the event allows the ROTC to have friendly competition and engage the community.
“There’s a lot of people who have military relatives or grandparents who are veterans, so there’s some sort of pride to take in that,” Gillespie said. “They want to be there to support them.”
Donors will have the option to say they’re there for the Army, Air Force or neither.
“By spreading word to our friends, more people will show up and hopefully support each side,” Dryden said.
The competition between the ROTC detachments includes good-natured punishment for the losers.
“If we end up losing we have to cook the other detachment breakfast and hold up signs and say ‘Go Army’ and vice versa,” Gillespie said.
Despite the spirit of competition, Gillespie says the main purpose is “encouraging people to come just save lives” and encourage volunteerism with the ROTC and the local community.
“It’s a great way to get back to your community,” Gillespie said. “They could have the opportunity to change someone else’s life.”
Students, faculty, staff and community members are all encouraged to donate. Blood transfusions are needed for many life-saving measures and procedures, including emergency operations, transplant surgeries and regular transfusions.
“It’s not just ROTC students that can participate,” Dryden said. “Friends and family are totally encouraged to come. We need all the help from students and staff to join the fight for aiming higher and saving more lives in the community.”
Currently, the American Red Cross is experiencing a shortage in blood donations. According to redcross.org, “Winter storms forced the cancellation of more than 530 American Red Cross blood drives in January.”
Seasonal illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19 make blood donations critical.
“It may seem like something small, but it definitely goes a long way,” Dryden said.