Operation Pulse Lift Blood Drive Marks Minnesota Debut

Since the program's inception, more than 5,000 CAP members have supported 897 blood donation center events, helping collect or process more than 96,000 units of blood.

The Minnesota event brought together CAP volunteers and the American Red Cross to help address ongoing blood shortages. The mission holds special significance for Wright County Composite Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Marybeth Slocumb, who has personally benefited from lifesaving blood donations. During the event, members of the Slocumb family participated together in the blood drive, highlighting the personal impact blood donation can have on patients and their families.

"Seeing so many people in our community step up to save lives was deeply personal for me," Slocumb said. "We had cadets as young as 12 years old participating in the event. Knowing our unit members stepped up to make this kind of impact is inspiring. We hope to make this a semiannual event."

Cadets and senior members supported blood drive operations throughout the day, assisting donors and helping ensure the event ran smoothly. Volunteers welcomed participants, provided support inside the donation center and helped promote awareness of the continuing need for blood donations.

Operation Pulse Lift is one of several ways Civil Air Patrol volunteers support communities through emergency services and humanitarian missions while serving local and national needs.

Photos by Lt. Col. Marybeth Slocumb