Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment in Milan, Illinois, participated in a community blood drive on Saturday, February 21, in conjunction with ImpactLife. The event took place during the battalion’s annual Periodic Health Assessment.
Community Support and Soldier Well-being
The blood drive offered a convenient opportunity for Soldiers to donate blood. Beyond the health assessment and blood donation, the battalion also invited community resource providers to be present. These included representatives from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ VetCenter and personal finance experts.
According to Lt. Col. Drew England, the battalion commander, the additional resources were intended to be helpful during the often-lengthy wait times associated with the Periodic Health Assessment. “Instead of standing in a line, they could go talk to someone if they need to,” he said.
Tori Tebbitt, an account manager for ImpactLife, reported the blood drive was highly successful, with nearly all available appointments filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What unit hosted the blood drive?
The 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment in Milan, Illinois, hosted the blood drive.
Who did the battalion partner with for the blood drive?
The battalion partnered with ImpactLife for the blood drive.
What other resources were available to Soldiers during the event?
Representatives from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ VetCenter, and personal finance experts were available to Soldiers during the Periodic Health Assessment.
As the 2-123 Field Artillery continues its tradition of community engagement, how might similar initiatives further strengthen the bonds between service members and the communities they protect?
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