Airmen shatter blood donation record Published July 23, 2004 By Carolyn Knothe 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Airmen here shattered their own record July 19 by donating 1,341 units of blood in a single day.Last year, base donors set the state's single-day, single-site blood donation record when they donated 1,151 units, earning the national "most first-time donors" award from the American Red Cross.Operation Present Arms' success rested on the shoulders of those who donated, said Brig. Gen. James A. Whitmore, 82nd Training Wing commander."With the help of our dedicated Airmen, we succeeded in carrying out our (operation's) mission to save lives through blood donations while breaking our single-day collection record," he said.The blood collected will help two organizations: the American Red Cross and the Armed Forces Blood Program at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, said event organizer Maj. Michael Dennison, 82nd Medical Group medical administrator.The American Red Cross shipped its portion to Tulsa, Okla., for processing and future use throughout Oklahoma and Texas. Blood donated to the armed services program will be processed at Lackland AFB for worldwide distribution.Major Dennison said one pint of blood, the amount one person donates, can save up to three lives. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)