Operation Oklahoma Blood Drive Comes To Tulsa

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The American Red Cross is joining the list of important events during this year's Operation Oklahoma with four blood drives scheduled around the state. 

The Operation Oklahoma drives began on Tuesday, June 29 at the Red Cross Northeast Oklahoma Chapter in Stillwater. Next came the Oklahoma City drive at the Central Oklahoma Red Cross Chapter on July 1.

Followed by the third Operation Oklahoma/Red Cross blood drive scheduled for Tulsa on Friday, July 2, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Red Cross Headquarters, 10151 East 11th. The Operation Oklahoma drives will conclude on Monday, July 5th in Norman at the Heart of Oklahoma Chapter, 1205 Halley Avenue, from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

"Since the inception of the American Red Cross our history has been intertwined with the U.S. Military. The Red Cross honors all our veterans but would like to join with Operation Oklahoma and give special thanks this July 4th season to the Vietnam Vet," said Major General Rita Aragon (ret) and Red Cross of Central Oklahoma Board of Director's member. "I can't think of a better way to say thank you, than by saving the life of another with a blood donation." 

Community leaders, military and civilian groups across the state are joining forces to create a salute to Vietnam Veterans during the 2010 July 4th holiday. The events will give Oklahomans an opportunity to give a long overdue thank you to Vietnam Vets with a series of events that now include Red Cross blood drives. 

"We welcome the Red Cross to the planned events of Operation Oklahoma and hope Oklahomans will join us in honoring all veterans and Vietnam Vets, in particular, with a blood donation," said Kenneth Calhoun, Vice Chief of Joint Staff, Oklahoma National Guard and Operation Oklahoma Project Officer. 

All those coming to donate are invited to share their thanks on a "traveling banner" that will be presented to a local VA hospital.