Elizabeth Holzbaur blood donor

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Elizabeth Holzbaur, an auto flight instrument and navigation craftsman with the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was all smiles for a mobile upload to facebook while she donated blood to the American Red Cross at the Sports and Fitness Center June 23, 2010, at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mike Kiker)

Bleed American

An American Red Cross technician applies a label to one of many vials that will be used during blood donation at the Red Cross mobile blood drive at the Sports and Fitness Center June 23, 2010, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The vials are drawn from a smaller bag that collects blood before the donation begins using tubing and a needle. The American Red Cross collected 26 pints from ALYX Component Collection System donors, 77 pints from standard donors and 103 pints total. Through ALYX, donors are able to give two units of red cells during one visit, providing double the impact for patients requiring the most critically needed blood types. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Timothy Taylor)

Airmen giving blood, giving life

Published July 7, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Elizabeth Holzbaur, with the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was all smiles for a mobile upload to facebook while donatIng blood to the American Red Cross at the Sports and Fitness Center June 23, 2010, at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.

Even though she hates needles, Sergeant Holzbaur, an auto flight instrument and navigation craftsman, said she has been donating blood ever since she graduated high school.

Last year, Sergeant Holzbaur's sister was in an accident that required her to receive several units of blood. Even though she has always donated blood, her sisters accident really magnified the impact donation can have on a person's life.

"I donate because it saves lives," said Sergeant Holzbaur. "It's something small that I can give back to the community."

Sergeant Holzbaur said giving blood can actually be fun. Each time she goes to donate blood she invites her friends and co-workers to go with her.

On this visit, Tech. Sgt. Mike Kiker, a crew chief with the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, sat in the chair across from her.

"We had a little competition to see who could donate the quickest," said Sergeant Holzbaur. "I beat him by a minute."

Throughout the day, other members of the 315th Airlift Wing gave their time, and blood, to the American Red Cross. The 315 AW salutes every Airman that was ready, willing and able to give.

Stay up to date with the 315th Airlift Wing at http://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/. Follow the 315th on Facebook and Twitter.