Ariz. Units Assist Red Cross Blood Drive

Arizona Wing units in the Phoenix area are stepping up to assist the American Red Cross by providing their buildings as temporary blood donation sites beginning this week in response to the coronavirus epidemic.

The Red Cross approached Civil Air Patrol for help when schools, churches and otherdonation venues shut down.

“Supporting the Red Cross is an ongoing mission for Civil Air Patrol — in this role serving as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force,” said Lt. Col. Bob Ditch. “Over the past three years, CAP members, along with their families and friends, have hosted the donation of more than 500 units of blood through CAP’s Operation Pulse Lift.”

Donation drives are set for Wednesday at the 388th Composite Squadron’s facility at Glendale Municipal Airport and April 25 at Falcon Composite Squadron 305's building at Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport.

“Most of our squadrons meet in buildings owned by the cities where they are located,” said Col. Rob Pinckard, Arizona Wing commander. “We are grateful to our partners in the cities of Glendale and Mesa for quickly granting permission for us to use our buildings for this lifesaving mission.”