After being contacted by the American Red Cross, Civil Air Patrol officials in Oklahoma committed to helping state citizens cope with coronavirus pandemic.

The American Red Cross, an organization of volunteers and staff working to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping the American people be prepared to respond in emergencies, lost its primary blood donation sites.

Civil Air Patrol is an organization that is not widely known, but it has a very wide impact. Its mission is simple, “Supporting America’s communities with emergency response, diverse aviation and ground services, youth development and promotion of air, space and cyber power.”

With schools going to virtual class designs and closing their doors, Arizona CAP squadrons, in partnership with the Red Cross, expanded their existing donor program by providing locations to meet the demand of blood donations.

“That was how this began,” stated Capt. Robert Platner, Oklahoma Wing’s Health Services Officer. “We saw the need being met in Arizona and reached out to Lt. Col. Ditch to see what we could do to assist. He connected us with the Red Cross and here we are. What we are doing today is literally affecting and changing lives.”

This first donation day for Oklahoma, in support of Operation Pulse Lift saw 14 total donors.

“With all that’s going on in the world today,” Master Sgt. Faun Daves said. “The need for blood never goes away.”

Maj. Bill Herold, Oklahoma Wing’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, is hoping to continue this assistance.

“This mission was invaluable,” Herold stated. “We’ll add what we’ve learned to our planning for the next event. We cannot wait to see this effort grow and fill the need. Seeing a group of volunteers come together during an event where our assistance was requested is truly amazing.”

To learn more about Oklahoma Wing, visit okwg.cap.gov.