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Hundreds of West Texans Give Blood To Save Train Wreck Victims Lives
Hundreds of West Texans Give Blood To Save Train Wreck Victims Lives 11/15/12
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
November 15, 2012
MIDLAND, TX – Hundreds of witnesses, military supporters and former veterans lined up the block and filled the rooms of the United Blood Services' Midland office tonight. The emotional crowd came out to give their blood and help save lives of victims in today’s tragic train crash.
"Being a medic [in the military], my job was taking care of soldiers. I didn't get to do that today. My break from the military will be as short as possible. I'll be at the recruiting office tomorrow. After today … I guess I realized being a medic in the army was my calling and I'm getting back to it as soon as possible," said Chris Mathman, Iraq War Veteran and blood donor.
"We anticipated to show our veterans to their tables. Then just blocks away from where they were supposed to be…minutes could of changed the outcome of this. It's just hard to deal with,” stated Adam W. Gregory, Midland ROTC member.
Within hours, several hundred west Texans came out to donate blood for those in the fatal train wreck. It’s a step these donors stated comes with a powerful reward.
“I just want to help out any way I can and that's why I'm here. I signed into the military. I just hope that while I am also doing this for them in case something is going to happen I would hope someone would be there for me," stated Able Bravo Midland ROTC member and blood donor.
The blood that they are giving today will help restock shelves and continue to aid those in need over the weekend.
"When people donate blood, it takes about 48 to 72 hours for it to become available for a hospital patient. So those people that donated here on Monday and Tuesday, they're the ones that are saving those lives today," said Lee Hartmann with the United Blood Services.
Tonight these un-sung heroes are giving back to those who fight for our freedom and their families members injured in the veteran celebration gone wrong.
They will have a blood drive Friday at Midland High School from 9am to 3 pm and at the Odessa United Blood Services location at 8:30pm.
For ways you can donate, call the United Blood Services at (432) 520-4592 or (432) 561-5539. Due to the high volume of calls, you can also go online to schedule an appointment to give. Click here for the online link http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/TX/