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Home : Media : News
NEWS | Dec. 22, 2019

NSWC Crane, Crane Army, and NSA Crane receive joint award for blood donation milestone

By NSWC Crane Corporate Communications

CRANE, Ind. – The Red Cross recognized Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA), and Naval Support Activity Crane (NSA Crane) for donating upwards of 1,000 units of blood, making Team Crane the top blood collector for 2019 throughout the state. The amount of units donated could save more than 3,000 lives.

“Team Crane is not only dedicated to serving the warfighter but also to supporting the community,” said CDR Timothy Powers, Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity Crane. “By leading the way in blood donations throughout the state, we add another way that what we do across Team Crane equates to saving lives.”

Crane’s impressive number is up 47 percent from 2018, in large part due to strategic scheduling of blood drives throughout the year.

"The people at Crane, whether Army or Navy, are already dedicated to doing all they can to support the warfighter, so it isn't surprising they also turn out to give blood to support their fellow Americans in need," CAAA Deputy to the Commander Norman Thomas said. "I am deeply impressed with the commitment to giving that happens with our workforce.  It is truly inspiring."

The Red Cross recognized NSWC Crane’s Jerry Schnarr for donating more than 11 gallons of blood during his lifetime – so far. According to the Red Cross, Schnarr’s donations could have been used in a number of ways: emergency and trauma patients, cancer treatments, organ transplant procedures, and more.

“Jerry is an employee that embodies the NSWC Crane value of service to a ‘T,” said Technical Director Dr. Brett Seidle. “We’re proud to have him and many other employees who take the time to donate.”  

With 2020 just around the corner, Crane plans to continue the upward trend.

"We at the American Red Cross are truly honored that Crane has chosen to partner with us for over a decade, and humbled by their incredible generosity and commitment to our shared mission to maintain a consistent blood supply to hospitals and patients across the nation," said Lance White, Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator.