Personnel from across Navy, Army and RAAF Participate in Group Blood Donation

Air Commodore Ken Watson says his personnel at Headquarters Northern Command have blood worth bottling – and he led them in to the Red Cross Blood Bank to prove it.

Personnel from across Navy, Army and RAAF – who spend their working days coordinating Border Protection operations and finalising plans for the upcoming cyclone season – jumped at the chance to participate in a group blood donation to assist the Red Cross’s Defence Organisation Blood Challenge.

The Commander of HQNORCOM in Darwin’s Larrakeyah Barracks, AIRCDRE Watson said his personnel from across Navy, Army and RAAF jumped at the chance to participate in a group blood donation to help Australians in need.

“Donating to the blood bank gives us a chance to assist indirectly in an emergency or to help someone with an illness that may well save their life,” AIRCDRE Watson said.

“Many of the personnel at the headquarters are regular donors and are very keen to support this initiative.

“I hope this encourages others in the Darwin and wider ADF community to roll up their sleeves and give blood to help save lives.”

The Navy, Army and Air Force will face off to see which Service donates the most blood as part of the annual Australian Red Cross Blood Service Defence Challenge from 1 September until 30 November 2011.

In the last 12 months the Blood Service has provided blood products such as plasma, whole blood and platelets to the Australian Defence Force for use in its Timor Leste and Solomon Islands operations.

Headquarters Northern Command (NORCOM) is responsible for the Australian Defence Force activities across the north of Australia including the ADF’s contribution to border protection, disaster and emergency management response and major ADF deployments through Darwin.

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Naval Today Staff, November 18, 2011; Image: navy