Warren Airmen register with National Marrow Registry

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alex Martinez
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  More than 360 Warren Airmen participated in a bone marrow registration drive April 3 in the base medical clinic.

The drive was through the C.W. Bill Young Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program, which provided registry forms and self-tester kits that determines tissue type. Participants are registered as potential volunteer marrow donors.

"The turnout has been overwhelming," said Tech Sgt. Kenny Raff, 90th Operations Support Squadron. "The people on base have given their total support."

Sergeant Raff is the father of 12-year-old Tiffany Raff who was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in January and needs a bone marrow transplant. The only cure for her condition is a marrow transplant. This was the catalyst for the drive.

"The drive is not just to see if we can find a match for her but for anybody who needs a transplant," Sergeant Raff said.

Tech. Sgt. Paul Bobenmoyer, 90th Operations Group and registration donor, said drives like this are important because they are about giving the gift of life.

"If this can help sustain someone's life, I'm going to do it," Sergeant Bobenmoyer said.
Sergeant Bobenmoyer also volunteered at the drive.

About 10 volunteers assisted donors.

One volunteer knew the importance of marrow drives more than others. Tech. Sgt. Ernest Jones, 90th OSS, received a bone marrow transplant about three years ago that saved his life. He said along with blood drives, marrow registration drives are also one of the most important things someone can do.

"[Marrow donors] are my hero," Sergeant Jones said. "I respect and appreciate them. It takes sacrifice to do things like this to help other people."

Anyone who was unable to attend the registration drive can attend the Annual Day of Giving May 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kiwanis Community House in Lions Park. Participants are encouraged to bring food or personal care items and will have the opportunity to donate blood and register bone marrow, and tissue or organ types.