This virtual blood drive is to honor the life of my dad, Mark Naughton, who was a decorated Marine and Soldier. He was also a Red Cross Blood Donor. I believe he would love this idea because giving blood is a patriotic act of service to your country, and that’s what he was all about.
The drive starts on the first anniversary of his death (21 August) and ends on his birthday (20 November). The goal of 61 units of blood represents the 61 years of his life.
During this timeframe you can give up to:
One Power Red donation (2 units)
OR
Two Whole Blood donations (2 units)
AND
13 Platelet donations (~30 units!)
It would be great to exceed the goal of 61 units by a lot to help allay the national blood supply shortages we have had lately.
When you give blood, please post about it on social media with this hashtag: #marknaughton61
Dear friend,
I may know you, or we may have never met. I want to thank you for choosing to dedicate a blood donation to the memory of my dad Mark. I want to share with you a little bit more about him.
When my family remembers Mark, we think of so many things he liked.
The Chiefs, the Royals, Levi’s, Ford, Chevy, Jeep, and Harley Davidson.
We think of Big Red gum, Coca Cola, “hooptie” cars and Zero Bars. We remember him walking through the front door after sundown, hearing his combat boots on our creaky wood floor, hearing the jingle of his keys and dog tags, and how he smelled like an M1A1 Abrams tank.
His favorite movies were Kelly’s Heroes and Easy Rider. For shows, he liked Rat Patrol, Big Valley, LOST, 24, and Sons of Anarchy. His favorite animals were dogs, horses, and the Bald Eagle.
Dad was an unapologetically proud American patriot. He liked country music and oldies radio. He loved the Lord and always prayed for his loved ones. He always ended phone calls by saying “I’m glad you called.”
The most important thing to remember about Mark Naughton is that he was a warrior. An Air Assault Jungle Expert Master Gunner. Closest to his heart was his title of Infantry Rifleman.
Here is the write up for his Bronze Star for Valor:
“BRONZE STAR MEDAL
AWARDED TO
CORPORAL MARK D. NAUGHTON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
FOR:
GALLANTRY IN GROUND COMBAT ACTION AGAINST HOSTILE ENEMY FORCES IN GRENADA WHILE SERVING IN OPERATION URGENT FURY WITH THE 22ND MARINE AMPHIBIOUS UNIT.
THE “V” DEVICE FOR VALOR IS AUTHORIZED
“On D+2, responding to the struggle to repel an enemy force encountered by a US Marine Infantry Platoon in the vicinity of the Grand Anse Beach and Fort Frederick on the island of Grenada, Corporal Naughton broke from the relative safety of his hide position to rush forward into open terrain. Fully exposed to hostile fire from the Cubans and the PRA, he stood among the infantry and delivered accurate and effective rifle fire at soldiers attempting to kill or capture our men and equipment. Continuing to press forward into the fight, Corporal Naughton’s sniper rifle was the authority on the field as dusk fell that day. He is credited with turning the momentum of the firefight to defeat the enemy ground assault forces, and foil their intentions. Without hesitation, Corporal Naughton continued his advance to secure and detain both the armed and injured combatants. Enemy casualties were significant as a result of this action, and PRA leaders were unable to escape with their number of wounded. The Marine platoon took no casualties and continued their mounted movement back to the airfield without further contact that evening.”
Thank you again for supporting this virtual blood drive for Dad. I encourage each of you to start your own virtual drive for any reason you find meaningful. Our national blood supply is frequently suffering shortages as people seem to forget the importance of giving blood.
The world is a better place because of people like you.
Sincerely,
Gunnar
785.313.1953
[email protected]
You are invited to join my Sheep Dog blood donor team in the app:
https://redcrossblood.app.link/jointeam-66d613ba64c11/50275
Challenge your friends (or anyone for that matter) to a friendly competition! Who will win the battle to do the most social good for your community?
Put your virtual blood drive campaign against one or even multiple other campaigns to see who can recruit more blood donors for the American Red Cross.
