Fifty turn out to give the 'gift of life' Published Sept. 17, 2007 By Mike Wallace Skywrighter Staff WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- On Sept. 11, known now as Patriot Day in honor of the 3,000 people who died in 2001, the 88th Civil Engineering Squadron held a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in its headquarters; Bldg. 22, Area C. Technicians from the base blood center scheduled appointments, took care of walk-ins, and eventually accommodated nearly 50 blood donors. Many participants donated blood to support troops deployed overseas. In turn, they received gifts including T-shirts and identification card holders as well as candy bars, soft drinks, and water. Civil Engineering holds a blood drive each quarter. According to medical laboratory technician Airman 1st Class Dominique Purvis, blood center people conduct a blood donation outreach nearly every day. The following day, for example, they visited the Air Force Security Assistance Center. They visit not only Wright-Patterson organizations but also other bases and area college campuses. For more information about donating blood, call the blood donor center at 257-0580.