Giving back to the community Published March 7, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Daniel Lile 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Airmen and civilians alike donated blood to the United Blood Services Feb. 28 at the Columbus Air Force Base Fitness Center. "We are here gathering blood from volunteer donors that will go to support and help hospitalized people and anyone who may need a blood transfusion," said Col. Allen Kidd, 14th Medical Group Commander. Before anyone donates blood, the United Blood Services ensures that the individual's blood is safe to give to others. "First they do a pre-screening to make sure they don't have any pre-existing medical conditions," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Soper, 14th Medical Support Squadron. "To ensure they haven't been in certain countries in certain time periods. Some individuals taking certain medication also may be ineligible to donate." Approximately 25 percent of blood donated comes back to the military to help injured service members. "Being in the military is all about giving back to the community," said Airman 1st Class Parth Shah, 14th Medical Operations Squadron. "This is just one way I feel like I can give back to the community not just by volunteering but by giving something of myself back." Service members never know when their family or they could be hospitalized and need a blood transfusion. "My brother has been hospitalized before and I know how important it is for a blood transfusion," said Airman 1st Class Ethan Sundquist, "It's important for hospitals to always have extra blood on hand in case something happens." If an Airman was unable to attend the blood drive there will always be additional opportunities to donate. The United Blood Service tries to hold a blood drive on Columbus AFB quarterly.