Dyess donates life

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Rudy McDade, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, donates blood during a blood drive held June 5, 2013, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The 7th AMXS collaborated with Meek Blood Center to collect whole blood and double red blood cells. Nearly 1,000 pounds of clothing was also collected at the event and Airman wrote words of strength, motivation and compassion on banners, which will be delivered to victims living in areas of Oklahoma most affected by recent natural disasters. The event had more than 45 registered blood donors who gave both whole blood and double-red blood cells. This is the second year the squadron has hosted a blood drive with hopes of making it a bi-annual event. The blood collected will be distributed to where it is needed most by the Red Cross. The Meek Blood Center will be returning to Dyess July 17, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson/Released)