Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Main, 35th Communications Squadron NCO in charge of server management, has his blood pressure tested by Tech. Sgt. Grace Hodge, 35th Medical Surgical Squadron NCOIC of transfusion services, during a blood drive at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 27, 2015. Prior to having blood drawn, patients are pre-screened for blood pressure and medical history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick S. Ciccarone/Released)

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Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive

A Japanese Red Cross phlebotomist collects blood from a patients arm during a blood drive at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 27, 2015. The technician prepared the patient’s arm for extraction by swabbing the extremity with alcohol, ensuring the area is sterile for insertion. After blood is extracted, the technician will conduct a hemoglobin test to determine if the blood is healthy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick S. Ciccarone/Released)

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Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive

A member from the Japanese Red Cross extracts blood from U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Poole, 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance support technician, during a blood drive at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 27, 2015. Poole is one of many individuals from the Misawa community to donate blood. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick S. Ciccarone/Released)

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Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive

Blood is collected from a patients arm, processed into a bag and then transferred into a vial during a blood drive at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 27, 2015. During this process, a large bag of blood will be collected from the patient, in addition to three vials for samples and donations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick S. Ciccarone/Released)

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Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive

A vial of blood is held up for inspection by a member of the Japanese Red-Cross during a blood drive held at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 27, 2015. After blood is collected from a patient, the blood is transferred to a centrifuge for examination and grouped with a patient’s other samples. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick S. Ciccarone/Released)

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Airmen from the 35th Fighter Wing participate in a Red Cross blood drive at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 27, 2015. Separated into different stations, patients will have an initial hemoglobin test conducted and then have blood collected into bags for donations. This is the first blood drive to be held at Misawa since 2005. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick S. Ciccarone/Released)

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Japanese and U.S. strengthen 'blood ties' through blood drive

Published May 26, 2015
By Senior Airman Patrick S. Ciccarone
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members from the Japanese Red Cross and 35th Medical Group hosted a blood drive at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 27, 2015. After a five-year absence, the Japanese Red Cross returned to collect donations from willing participants of the Misawa AB community. During the day, patients signed in and underwent an initial blood pressure test and information in-processing. They then received a hemoglobin reading, donated blood and were issued a cookie and a heartfelt arigato gozaimasu (Thank you).

Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive

Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive

Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive

Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive

Japanese and U.S. strengthen ‘blood ties’ through blood drive