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Special Operations Command personnel from across Australia have donated blood and plasma to the Red Cross as part of the annual Defence Blood Challenge.
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Special Operations Commander for Australia Major General Adam Findlay and Warrant Officer Class One John Letch, Command Sergeant Major, led the initiative, after visiting a Red Cross Lifeblood donor centre in Canberra.
MAJGEN Findlay encouraged all SOCOMD personnel to participate in the Defence Blood Challenge.
“As a young army officer in the Special Air Service Regiment, I really learned the importance of service to the Australian community and to take opportunities when we can to give back,” MAJGEN Findlay said.
“Within army and in SOCOMD we are always postured to support national security, and donating blood and plasma is another important way we can all support those Australians in need of blood products to treat injury or illness.”
Special Air Service Regiment personnel in Perth and all of SOCOMD’s east coast units have committed to participating.
WO1 Letch added, “On operations we all understand the importance of ensuring ‘golden hour’ medical support and looking after our mates when they’re wounded.
“Each year a large number of Australians need donated blood and plasma and in Army we’re all fit and healthy so giving up a small amount of our time makes a big difference to those who need it.”
The Defence Blood Challenge is Australia’s longest running annual blood donation event in support of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
According to the Red Cross, a single blood donation has the potential to save three lives, while plasma can be used to develop as many as 18 life-giving treatments.
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