Civil Air Patrol’s blood collection and transport mission, Operation Pulse Lift, has been recognized with the 2024 Air Forces Northern Command (AFNORTH) Commander’s Award.
Lt. Col. Jean-Marie Nixon accepted the award —presented annually for the most meritorious CAP mission of the previous year — on the mission’s behalf from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel C. Clayton, First Air Force (AFNORTH) deputy commander. The presentation occurred Aug. 16 during the CAP National Conference in San Antonio.
The accompanying citation recognized CAP’s achievement in carrying out “one of the most exhaustive and effective life-saving missions in its storied 82-year history,” potentially saving more than 36,000 lives last year “with the unprecedented donation, collection, and transportation of blood using more than 800 members nationwide.”
Operation Pulse Lift began as an Arizona Wing initiative in April 2017. Three years later, the mission’s scope intensified and expanded after the U.S. surgeon general warned that the COVID-19 pandemic had cost the nation 80% of its blood donor sites.
Along with blood donation sites from — in the citation’s words — “Alaska to Puerto Rico, Hawaii to New York,” Operation Pulse Lift has also included air and ground transportation of blood products and supplies. Participants have supported the Armed Services Blood Program, the American Red Cross and other blood services organizations.
Lt. Col. Bob Ditch, chief of staff for the Wyoming Wing, is the mission’s national incident commander.
Blood donors may participate in Operation Pulse Lift from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 17 in Pearl 1-2 during the National Conference.
