Glens Falls and surrounding communities encouraged to give blood
(UPDATED with photo 22:33) Nathan Brown was like a lot of young adults. He enjoyed video games, music, family and friends, and the outdoors. He had qualities that made him special, including his kindness, generosity, and his willingness to help others. He had great respect for veterans, and joined the New York Army National Guard to serve our country. In 2004, Private First Class Brown was killed during a mission in Iraq when a rocket-propelled grenade hit him in the chest. He was 21 years old. For his courage, valor, and ultimate sacrifice, he received a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a New York State Medal of Valor.
A special blood drive in his memory will be held in his hometown of Glens Falls on May 20 at the Glens Falls YMCA.
PFC Brown’s mother, Kathy Brown, says her son went out of his way to help others, especially those most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with disabilities.
“Nathan was always helping people,” said Kathy. “Helping others by donating blood keeps his memory alive. This is what Nathan would want—that we all give back and give life.”
SFC (Ret.) Arthur Coon recruited PFC Brown. They saw each other for the last time when PFC Brown was being deployed to Iraq. As he was leaving, PFC Brown gave SFC (Ret.) Coon a backpack as a gift, a gesture that demonstrates PFC Brown’s generosity and how he always put others before himself.
“He was such a good soldier—he was always at the Armory helping out,” said SFC (Ret.) Coon. “People may not know that the New York Army National Guard also does a lot in the community, and Nate always asked if there was something more that he could do for Glens Falls and other communities nearby.”
MAPFRE Insurance and Kinney Agency are once again supporting the blood drive.
“What a great way to remember Nate and give back to others,” noted Todd Miller, Kinney Agency.
The community honored PFC Brown’s generous and selfless spirit at the first blood drive in his memory that was held last year. Support exceeded the goal, with more than double the units of blood collected than was expected. The Brown Family and the American Red Cross hope the community will show their support again. All presenting donors will receive two passes good for a Glens Falls Dragons’ baseball game.
Donate Blood in Memory of Private First Class Nathan Brown Friday, May 20, noon-6:30 p.m., Glens Falls YMCA, 600 Glen St., Glens Falls.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.