By Chief Petty Officer Coryann Pittman, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Mid America

ST. Louis Sailors assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Mid America came together across Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Kentucky Sept. 7–14, 2026, to support the national blood supply shortage through a command-wide blood drive.

More than 50 Sailors participated in the effort, donating more than 50 units of blood throughout the week. According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation can potentially help save up to three lives, depending on how the blood is used.

The command wide effort spanned NTAG Mid America’s geographically dispersed recruiting force, allowing Sailors throughout the four-state area of responsibility (AOR) to participate in blood donation efforts within their local communities.

The drive provided Sailors an opportunity to support a critical community need while continuing the Navy’s tradition of service beyond the uniform. Blood donations play an important role in supporting patients undergoing medical procedures, recovering from injuries and facing other medical emergencies.

While each donation represented an individual act of service, the collective effort resulted in more than 50 units of blood being contributed to the national supply.

The blood drive is one example of how NTAG Mid America Sailors continue to engage with and support the communities where they live and work, extending their commitment to service beyond the command’s recruiting mission.