Robertson Blood Center

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Prince Hall Masons Make a Stand for Soldiers' Health at Fort Hood (September 2011)
District Deputy Grand Master-Emeritus for the Prince Hall Mason Ronnie Jones, thought it would be a great idea for the Jno G. Lewis Lodge 622 to sponsor an Armed Services Blood Program blood drive at Fort Hood, Texas. So they did. "Working here at the center and understanding how ...

Fort Hood Youth Challenges others to Donate Blood (September 2011)
When Alan VanBruggen was 16 years old he knew what he wanted to be when he was older-a military blood donor. On Sept. 6, 2011, he turned 17, and he celebrated by donating blood at the Robertson Blood Center. But he hoped he wouldn't do it alone. This young blood donor invited ...

Retiring Blood Center Advocate Stresses Importance of Donations (August 2011)
For the last seven years, donors at Fort Hood's Robertson Blood Center have seen recruiter Perry Jefferies work with soldiers, units, spouses and civilians to get blood donations to send to soldiers overseas. The week of Aug. 15, 2011, was his last in the position. "It's been great," said Jefferies, a retired first sergeant. "I went almost seamlessly from ...

Recruiter Remembers Roots with Military Blood Drive (August 2011)
Sgt. 1st Class James Williams is a recruiter assigned to the Ranger Recruiting Battalion in Dallas, Texas. After hearing about a civilian agency collecting blood in one of the larger recruiting stations in the area, he decided to coordinate an ASBP blood drive for his battalion headquarters.

Texas Shootout Concludes at Robertson Blood Center (August 2011)
Angela Oakley and Sarah Jennings are both special project managers for the Fort Hood, Texas, Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and both are excellent blood donors at the Robertson Blood Center. When each of their families received orders to change duty stations ...

Leaving a Life-saving Legacy (July 2011)
When Sgt. 1st Class James Edwards died on July 22, 2011, from injuries he received in a traffic accident a few days prior, he left behind a legacy of service and reaching out to others that will leave a lasting impression on many. A consummate professional, Edwards served as a senior instructor at the III Corps Non-commissioned Officer Academy ...

Six Complete First Apheresis Training at Fort Hood (July 2011)
June 17, 2011, was a historic day at Fort Hood, Texas, as six comrades from the 44th Medical Brigade's 432nd Blood Support Detachment completed the first apheresis and frozen blood training rotation at the Robertson Blood Center-the Army's Center of Excellence for Apheresis Training ...

Evolving Service (June 2011)
Army Lt. Marcie Davis understands service and self-improvement. Constantly striving to learn more and reinvent herself on a regular basis, this Prentiss, Miss., native joined the Mississippi National Guard at the age of 17, and after her high school graduation she went off to complete basic training and advanced individual training. Soon after ...

Predicting More than Weather (June 2011)
Cynethia Nichols can predict more than the weather-she can forecast success. So when her husband 1st Sgt. Antonio Nichols and his unit, the 31st Chemical Company at Fort Hood, Texas, were presented an award for conducting a blood drive, she knew her larger unit could do the same thing! After learning of her husband's success, Nichols knew that ...

A Donor at War and at Home (June 2011)
During her 10 months in Iraq, Sgt. Francine Krohn stuck her arm out for her buddies time and time again-she was a regular apheresis donor with the blood detachment at Balad Air Base, in Iraq. "There was a mass casualty and they announced over the Balad intercom that they needed blood for wounded soldiers and civilians," said Krohn.

Blessed by Blood (June 2011)
"I am blessed enough to wake up and see my kids because someone donated blood," said Spc. Brandon Neal. "I wouldn't take that away from anyone else." Neal, a former tank crewman and Marine now serving with the 13th Expeditionary Support Command's 4th Brigade Troops Battalion, personally knows the importance of blood, so he visited ...

It's a Sure Bet with the Gamblers (June 2011)
Lt. Col. Matthew Ruedi and his wife, Cindi, are examples of a successful family team working together to get important things done. With many soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, deferred from donating blood because of repeat deployments, the Ruedis had a dilemma. In April 2011, they attacked the problem from both sides and found success in motivating soldiers ...

1st Cavalry Division Keeps the Legend Living (May 2011)
When Master Sgt. John Pulido's world travels spelled an end to his blood donations, he looked for another way to help. He now serves as the division commandant for Fort Hood's 1st Cavalry Division and is constantly looking for ways to support the Armed Services Blood Program.

Melodic Merledic (May 2011)
Merledic Casado answers the telephone at the Robertson Blood Center as "Melody"-an easy to remember name for a woman that has spent more than 10 years making "medical music" for troops and their families. Since Casado's start at the Robertson Blood Center in September 2009, the friendly phlebotomist has garnered more positive mentions ...

Renegades Continue to Donate (April 2011)
The Renegades of the 4-5 Air and Missile Defense Regiment put a fresh new mark on the wall of the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Wednesday, March 16, 2011. A blood drive organized by a young soldier and the most senior non-commissioned officers of the regiment became the most recent success in a chain of drives for the regiment.

Two Soldiers, Two Donations, 12 Lives (April 2011)
Staff Sgt. Jennifer Hill and Sgt. David Sudduth can be counted on to roll up their sleeves and offer their arms and time to save a life. Both are assigned to the headquarters platoon at Fort Hood's 932nd Blood Detachment and both donated platelets at the Robertson Blood Center on March 14, 2011.

Bringing in Spring with a Rocking Team (March 2011)
In January, the Fort Hood Robertson Blood Center rocked out National Blood Donor Month. In March, the team and donors at Fort Hood found a way to bring in spring-rock style. Military blood donors from all walks of life with a preference for modern rock music were treated to a star appearance...

"I'd Do it Again-Quicker Than You Can Breathe" (March 2011)
Sgt. Albert M. Cusimano can be sure that he saved at least one life. Less than one year after registering with the C.W. "Bill" Young Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program, Cusimano received notice that his marrow was needed.

The Word of the Day is "Change" (March 2011)
2011 began as one of change for the personnel at the Robertson Blood Center, Fort Hood, Texas. On Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011, the state-of-the-art blood donor center held a short ceremony to hail incoming personnel and give a heartfelt farewell to the outgoing ones. In 2010, the ASBP designated the Robertson Blood Center as the Army's Center of ...

Great Donors Make for a Great Appreciation Ceremony (March 2011)
Blood donors, unit representatives and supporters crowded the rotunda of Fort Hood's Robertson Blood Center to watch and participate in the blood donor center's annual Donor Recognition Ceremony. Donors, volunteers, units and other organizations that schedule blood drives were given plaques ...

A Lifetime of Service: Remembering Janet Daehn Roberts (February 2011)
The staff and soldiers of the Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood, Texas, will greatly miss longtime employee and receptionist, Janet Daehn Roberts, who passed away just after the year began. Her passing has left a hole in both the hearts and daily operations of the blood donor center.

Annual Donor Recognition Ceremony Highlights Contributions (February 2011)
The Robertson Blood Center held its annual Donor Recognition Ceremony at the military blood donor center at Fort Hood on Jan. 26, 2011, recognizing individuals and units that contributed to the program's success in 2010. Blood donors and supporting organizations alike were honored for their efforts...

"Rugged" Unit with Soft Hearts (January 2011)
The 36th Engineer Brigade, "Rugged," is one of the busiest and most deployed units at Fort Hood, Texas, sending groups of soldiers overseas as both complete units and supplements to other force packages. When they sponsored one of the largest ASBP blood drives at Fort Hood in the last three years, this rugged unit also showed their generous side.

Like Mother, Like Father (January 2011)
Army Reserve Sgt. Fred Sechrengost and his wife Cressida had something to show their daughters-the value of a blood donation. Whenever they could, they would roll up their sleeves and give a precious gift to a service member in need. They provided such a positive example to their daughter, Jessica, 17 years old, that she begged to donate herself.

Steel Dragons Send a Gift of Life (January 2011)
Capt. Anthony Thomas, the commander of the 31st Chemical Company at Fort Hood, Texas wanted his soldiers to get more involved in the holiday spirit than the traditional Christmas party and extended weekend, so he led by example and encouraged a unique gift to deployed troops this year-the gift of blood.

Two Ultimate Donors Observe National Blood Donor Month at Fort Hood (January 2011)
The ultimate Armed Services Blood Program donors give again, kicking off National Blood Donor Month. In 2008, the couple began their mission, now nearly complete, to donate blood in each of the ASBP donor centers.

Renegades Host Holiday Blood Drive (January 2011)
Spc. Jacobus Adams, son of a U.S. diplomat, born in South Africa and educated around the world, has two passions-making a difference and donating blood. And with his help, the 4-5 Air Missile Defense "Renegades" Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas set out to give a great holiday gift.

Qualified for Excellence (December 2010)
Standards, qualifications and inspections are part of life for the military, and the ASBP donor centers are no different. The capstone inspection is the AABB's (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) assessment, and the Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood, Texas is proud to say that it has earned the AABB certification!

Unit and Family Team Up! (December 2010)
Spcs. Erin Jones and William Jones of Portland, Ore., have quite a bit in common. In addition to serving together in A company, 21st Combat Support Hospital at Fort Hood, Texas, both medics know the value of donating blood. Which is why the couple worked together to sponsor an Armed Services Blood Drive at their company on Nov. 9, 2010.

Dozens Turn Out at Warrior Transition Unit Blood Drive (December 2010)
Staff Sgt. April Martinez knows a good deal when she sees it. The young non-commissioned officer works hard at Fort Hood to ensure her brothers and sisters in the military get the best deal possible when they are injured or hurt. She organized a series of blood drives to fulfill a dual purpose ...

Texas Town Pulls Together to Support Troops (December 2010)
For three days, citizens of a small historic German town situated in the Texas hill country banded together to sponsor their seventh ASBP blood drive. From Nov. 1-3, 2010, members of this community donated blood and support their family members that have been deployed.

Donor Inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame (November 2010)
On Oct. 20, 2010, Ronald Decker, a Robertson Blood Center donor and volunteer was inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame. This award recognizes individuals nationwide who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to blood donation.

A Relaxing Way to Make History (October 2010)
For Sgt. Harry Carelock, the opportunity to make history came while reclined in a donor chair watching a movie with a group of people on hand to ensure his comfort. Carelock was the first new platelet donor at Fort Hood's Robertson Blood Center apheresis training program, designed to train deploying troops to be experts on platelet collection in war zones.

Husband and Wife Partner to Save Lives (September 2010)
Staff Sgt. Brian VanBruggen is not the mayor of any of the villages at Fort Hood, Texas. He's not a coordinator of blood drives either. But he did spend two days of hard-earned vacation in the ASBP military blood donor center at Fort Hood.

Warriors Donate and Support (September 2010)
The artillerymen and their supporters may be known as "Red Legs," - Army slang for those associated with cannon and artillery - but on Tuesday, August 11, 2010, they bled red for their comrades. The Warrior battery of 2-20 Field Artillery, 41st Fires Brigade, at Fort Hood, Texas hosted an ASBP blood drive to collect blood donations for deployed troops.

Two leaders team for one big success (September 2010)
Helen Gardner may be known as "Queen Helen" to some but for the recipients of blood donations collected at Fort Hood, Texas, she may be an angel. The energetic co-lead of the Bravo Company, 115 Brigade Support Battalion, assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, arranged an ASBP blood drive for troops and family members.

Phantom Command Blood Drive Becomes a Family Affair (August 2010)
When Spec. Marie Sanon, Phantom Command's administrative specialist, arranged a military blood drive for her brothers and sisters deployed overseas, she had no idea it would turn into a genuine family affair.

Leading by Demonstration (August 2010)
Command Sergeant Major Donald Felt is no stranger to leading and serving as an example to the thousands of troops he has led in combat and in training. In late July 2010, he hit upon a new idea to inspire younger troops to donate blood. "I realized that my travel deferrals had expired and wanted a way to challenge these new soldiers to do the right thing."

Proofing the System (July 2010)
Army Capt. Erin Thomas understands the value of blood donation and the Armed Services Blood Program first hand. As a medical leader deployed to Iraq, she has experienced both sides of the military medical and evacuation systems. A Houston, Texas native, Thomas deployed to Iraq with the 404th Aviation Support Battalion...

Laboratory Commander Saves Lives, Preserves Memories (June 2010)
You can reassign a blood banker, but you can't keep the passion of blood out of her veins. Major Barbara Bachman, the laboratory manager at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center visited the Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood, Texas and donated blood on World Blood Donor Day.

Best in the West (June 2010)
The 120th Infantry Brigade at Fort Hood is known as the "Bayonet Brigade" based on their storied history. This past May, the Bayonet Brigade hosted an Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) blood drive at their headquarters in its new home at Division West, their parent unit in Fort Hood, TX.

Wounded Warrior Blood Drive a Success (May 2010)
In a demonstration of both good will and patriotism, the Bluestar Mothers of America Inc. and Waco Veterans Affairs Medical Center successfully sponsored an Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) blood drive and collected over a dozen blood donations for military servicemembers...

Signs of Spring at Fort Hood (May 2010)
Some places are painted with the colors of new flora and fauna each spring. In others, rain and wind usher in the Spring with warm breezes and fresh scents. At Robertson Blood Center (RBC) at Fort Hood this year there are the sights and sounds of major construction and the excitement of new challenges and creative training...

Saving Lives from Day One (April 2010)
Fort Hood is known as the world's largest power-projection platform, having sent more than half a million Soldiers off to war in Iraq or Afghanistan. To feed that mission, about 400 Soldiers a week report to the Fort Hood Replacement Detachment a busy unit comprised of dedicated professionals used to solving complicated problems of arriving Soldiers and Family Members...

The Eagle (Scout) Returns (March 2010)
Justin Brundin has accomplished a lot for the Armed Services Blood Program and a lot for Soldiers, like his dad, deployed all around the world. The one thing he was always too young for he finally accomplished this past Tuesday, March 9 as he donated his first unit of blood for his beloved military blood program.

Fort Hood Recognizes Heroes of the Armed Services Blood Program (March 2010)
Staff Sergeant Patrick Thompson may have a short time remaining in service but his history of helping Soldiers and their family members extends into the past. SSG Thompson has been a regular blood donor since 1985 and he continues to save lives even as he prepares for retirement.

Robertson Blood Center Honors Donors And Organizations (January 2010)
On Thursday, January 20, 2010, the Robertson Blood Center held the annual Blood Donor Recognition Ceremony, honoring dozens of top donors, organizations, and supporters on Fort Hood. January is National Blood Donor Month and ceremonies are held each year.

Cavalry Troopers Continue a New Tradition (December 2009)
The troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment maintain one the busiest schedules of any unit on the Army's largest installation - Fort Hood. Those assigned to this famous unit have a three-part mission: to serve as a link to the past, aid in recruiting, and represent the Division and Army in ceremonies, parades, and demonstrations.

McGregor Art Students Draw ASBP Donors! (December 2009)
McGregor, Texas may be a small town on the edge of the giant military installation of Fort Hood but their citizen's hearts are big when it comes to supporting their troops. When the local ROTC detachment sponsored an Armed Services Blood Program blood drive with nearby Robertson Donor Center at Fort Hood, students from the junior high school art...

120th Infantry Brigade Trains and Saves Soldiers (December 2009)
Leaders and trainers of the 120th Infantry Brigade at Fort Hood provide for the safety and security of other Soldiers every day by training them to perform their missions with a high degree of skill and professionalism. Beyond that mission, they provide for other troop's welfare with a well-rounded slate of community support activities.

Chemical Company Shows "No Fear" While Donating Blood (December 2009)
First Sergeant Jonathan Conrad was always a regular blood donor. Past deployments and the pace as a chemical company first sergeant necessitated a slowdown but as soon as he was eligible, he contacted the Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood and set up a unit blood drive.

The Armed Services Blood Program thanks supporters during the Fort Hood Tragedy (November 2009)
The Armed Services Blood Program sends a heart felt thank you to every donor at Fort Hood's Robertson Blood Donor Center whose donations helped to ensure blood was available for those wounded in yesterday's tragedy. Blood products were also sent from Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort...

120th Infantry Brigade Stays in the Fight (October 2009)
CPT Cheryl H. Bordwine knows the power of blood. Five years ago eight strangers saved her life. She will never meet them, but each donated a unit of blood used to save her life in surgery. As the Brigade Surgeon of Division West's 120th Infantry Brigade, one of Fort Hood's newest units, she is in a position to do something about that.

'Swift and Sure' Brigade Lives up to its Motto (September 2009)
The partnership between today's expeditionary Army, post communities, and families is both effective and flexible, as a recent Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) blood drive at Fort Hood demonstrated. Kerry Rodriguez, the mayor of Fort Hood's McNair Village, contacted the ASBP's Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood to arrange a blood drive...

62nd Engineer Makes a Difference (August 2009)
Cpt. Kristy Norquist arranged an Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) blood drive for her Soldiers assigned to the rear detachment for the 62nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. The young commander, originally from Ohio, said the Central Texas heat had taken "some getting used to" so she arranged the blood drive for early morning.

Birthday Blood Donor Supports the Troops (August 2009)
Stephanie Graham wanted to do something different for her 17th birthday. This year, the Central Texas teen gave the gift of life to another. She donated her first unit of blood to the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) at Fort Hood, Texas. She gets her patriotism and altruistic spirit from her mother Barbara, who accompanied her to the Robertson Blood Center...

1st Medical Brigade Soldiers Prove Blood Donation is Not Just for Dogs (July 2009)
Private First Class Elisha Bell deals with blood more than most people. As a veterinary technician serving with the 1st Medical Brigade at Fort Hood, she has been both a giver and a receiver of blood donations. Even her pets donate blood. Elisha's job with the medical brigade is to care for and treat the dogs...

1-44 ADA "Strikes Fast" In Memory of Fallen Soldier (June 2009)
Sergeant Javier Gonzales may have fallen, perishing during open heart surgery earlier this year, but his memory inspired his comrades to save lives. On May 21, 2009 the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion (AMD), 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment conducted an Armed Services Blood...

Top Scout Giving Back (June 2009)
Justin Brundin found a way to serve his country before he was even allowed to vote. At 15-years-old, Brundin organized a week-long blood drive for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And then he did it again. And again.

Fort Hood Family Member Chosen as VFW Scout of the Year (May 2009)
Martindale, TX - Eagle Scout Justin Brundin has been selected as the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) Scout of the Year for 2008-2009. He is the son of retired Sergeant First Class Alec Brundin, who was assigned to the 410th Military Police Company...

Small Unit - Big Effect (May 2009)
Fort Hood - Task Force Odin may not be the biggest unit on Fort Hood, but it is an effective combat multiplier as they patrol the skies over hostile regions, helping to ensure the safety of American troops and their allies. On Friday, May 8th, they provided a different kind...

National Fraternity Salutes Robertson Blood Center (April 2009)
Fort Hood Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity presents a plaque to Fort Hood's Blood Center for support of annual blood drives.

Veterans Administration Thanks Fort Hood Blood Center (March 2009)
Fort Hood, Texas - Rafael R. Doria, supervisor of the blood bank at the Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center traveled to Fort Hood on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 and presented a letter of appreciation to the director of the Robertson Blood Center.

'Wagonmasters' Kick Off Month-long Blood Drive (March 2009)
FORT HOOD, Texas - Needles, some people can't stand them.

Blood Donations Support Both Deployed Troops, Families (January 2009)
This week the Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood and the Armed Services Blood Program take time to recognize the blood donors who make saving lives possible as part of National Blood Donor Month.

Robertson Blood Center Earns AABB Accreditation (January 2009)
C.R. Darnall Army Medical Center's blood center maintains a tradition of excellence for troops and families. Fort Hood, TX - The Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood has been granted accreditation by AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks), according to Lt. Col. (P) Ronny Fryar, the center's director.

Taking Care of the Troops (December 2008)
A former Medic remembers his roots and rolls up his sleeve to complete his second gallon of blood donation at Fort Hood, TX. Tim Stroud gives a great deal to his community. An independent financial professional, he also runs a community Web site, participates in the Rotary Club and is an active member of his local church.

VA Collaborates with Military Blood Bank to Save Precious Resource (December 2008)
HOUSTON - The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center recently began collaborating with the Robertson Blood Center, a U.S. Army Blood Bank located at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Ft. Hood, Texas to save taxpayer money and maximize the use of a valuable and perishable resource.

Robertson Blood Center Volunteer Named to Donor Hall of Fame (October 2008)
Fort Hood, TX - The Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood hosted a Blood Donor Recognition ceremony and brunch on Friday, September 26, 2008 to show appreciation to a very special blood donor and Fort Hood Community Volunteer - Mrs. Donna Smith, of McGregor, Texas.

A Young Life Saved Through Donations To The ASBP (August 2008)
Kyndyll Rhaeanna may only be two years old, but she and her grandmother represent two important points along the lifeline that is created by the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP).

Brothers in Aid - Brothers in Arms (July 2008)
Sergeant Kenneth Medina is a regular blood donor and, during a tour of duty at Fort Hood, Texas, became an Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) blood donor.

Twin Goals - Twin Lifesavers (May 2008)
Francisco and Cristobal Ledesma share a lot besides a mother once named "Employee of the Year" for the Dallas-Fort Worth area Harris Methodist Hospital. They are both Medical Technologists in the U.S. Army and currently training to deploy to Iraq with the 345th Medical Detachment...

Avid Biker and ASBP Volunteer John James on the Road to Recovery (May 2008)
A good friend and supporter of the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP), John James, was recently in a serious motorcycle accident, sending him into emergency surgery where he needed numerous blood transfusions to save his life.

Saving Lives from Home (April 2008)
Staff Sergeant Patrick Thompson may have a short time remaining in service but his history of helping Soldiers and their family members extends into the past. SSG Thompson has been a regular blood donor since 1985 and he continues to save lives even as he prepares for retirement.

The U.S. Military Family Grows With Every Dedicated ASBP Volunteer (April 2008)
"It doesn't matter how good the doctor is; if the blood's not there for them to use, a soldier may not be coming home," explains Donna Smith about why hosting blood drives is so close to her heart. As a dedicated wife and mother of two, Donna knows the importance of doing everything she can...

ASBP Volunteers Build Lifelong Friendships Through Memorial Blood Drives (April 2008)
John James and Newton 'Noot' Burnett, along with fellow Brazos de Dios bikers, champion the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) with bi-annual motorcycle rides to the Fort Hood, TX blood donor center to give blood. These good-hearted bikers, part of a Harley Owners Group chapter...

Saving Lives from Home (April 2008)
Staff Sergeant Patrick Thompson may have a short time remaining in service but his history of helping Soldiers and their family members extends into the past. SSG Thompson has been a regular blood donor since 1985 and he continues to save lives even as he prepares for retirement.