Airmen of the Savannah’s 117th Air Control Squadron were recently recognized by the Savannah Community Blood Bank and the Georgia/Florida Blood Alliance for making the highest number of blood donations of any military unit in the Savannah area. The Air Guardsmen gave 39 units of blood that blood bank officials said will benefit more than 120 needy patients in the coastal Georgia area.

Also, Master Sgt. George Wall, the 117th’s unit training manager, was named the Military Blood Drive Coordinator of the Year by the Georgia/Florida Blood Alliance. He also accepted the award on behalf of the Army National Guard Training Center at Fort Stewart for the highest number of Army blood donations. As blood coordinator for his unit for the past 12 years, Wall said his commitment to the blood is a result of a personal experience.

"My son Tim on his way home from college in February 2001," he explained, "and was injured in an automobile accident that required him to receive numerous blood transfusions.

"Tim’s doctor told me the hospital could not accept Red Cross blood donations," Wall said. "I asked unit members to give, and during this time I became aware of the Georgia/Florida Blood Alliance. I have been involved with the Alliance ever since."

The 117th and Wall were honored for their work during the first annual Georgia/ Florida Blood Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by the Savannah Community Blood Bank.