From flightline to lifeline

Three long-serving Air Force warrant officers recently rolled up their sleeves for a good cause, donating plasma at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood in Townsville.

WOFFs David Harrison, Michael Marshall and Andrew McCabe are reservists with Air Force History and Heritage at RAAF Townsville’s Aviation Heritage Centre, where they help preserve and share the stories of generations of Air Force personnel.

For OIC of the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre WOFF Andrew McCabe, the visit marked his 19th donation.

“Service doesn’t stop when you step outside the gates of the base or take off the uniform,” WOFF McCabe said.

“For us, Air Force has always been about looking after your mates and contributing to something bigger than yourself. Donating plasma is a very simple way we can make a difference in our own community.”

The donations are part of the annual Defence Blood Drive, running until November 30.

“At the Aviation Heritage Centre, our job is to preserve the stories and legacy of those who served before us,” WOFF McCabe said. 

“There’s something quite fitting then about rolling up our sleeves and doing something that might help give another Australian more time and more memories with the people they love.

“If three old warrant officers sitting in donor chairs can encourage a few more people to give it a go, we’ll be pretty happy with that.”