Iwo Jima Hosts Fleet Week New York Blood Drive

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Travis J. Kuykendall, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

May 29, 2010 - NEW YORK (NNS) -- The New York Blood Center conducted its 6th Annual Fleet Week New York Blood Drive aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) May 28.

Sailors, Marines and the general public were given a unique opportunity to donate blood in the hangar bay while the ship was open for tours.

"To be able to donate blood on a Navy ship is a cool thing most people often wouldn't get the chance to do," said Alex Brown, assistant director of corporate public relations for New York Blood Center.

Each donor donated one pint of blood, which can now be used to save up to three lives. For most donors, it was the most rewarding 30-minute break in a chair they've ever taken.

"I like the cause and I want to help people, so for me this is a good way of doing just that," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) Cory R. Clark.

"This is my seventeenth time and I plan to keep donating until I'm no longer able to do so."

This year, New York Blood Center partnered with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society pledging to donate $10 for every donor, giving back to the Sailors and Marines for their help.

New York Blood Center processes approximately 570,000 donors a year and produces over 1 million blood-and-blood products. For a blood center that serves more than 150 hospitals in the New York Metro-area which includes Upstate, New York City, Long Island and New Jersey.

"We are constantly collecting, processing and distributing blood and there are certain times we may fall into shortage and need people to come in and donate more often," said Brown. "It's a constant need and sometimes it's a little more difficult but we get by with the help of organizations such as the military."

Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are participating in the 23rd Fleet Week New York, which will take place May 26 - June 2. Fleet Week has been New York City's celebration of the sea services since 1984. It is an unparalleled opportunity for citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, first-hand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.