http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/story/d/story/honoring-the-fallen-with-a-blood-drive/31600/IuXETp6KyEOV4Xhy_XYjbA
Honoring the Fallen with a Blood Drive Kristen Tripodi 06/25/2014 06:56 PM06/25/2014 06:58 PM SPRINGFIELD, Vt. - He lost his life ten years ago while fighting for our country in Iraq. On Wednesday Sergeant Kevin Sheehan's family kept his memory alive in a big way. Sergeant Sheehan was many things to many people. “He served our country and as you can see he's a little brother, a husband and an uncle and a father,” said Heather Sheehan, Kevin’s widow. Heather along with Sheehan’s sister Kathi held a blood drive in his honor. “He started when he was 18 donating blood. He found out he could and in high school found out he was O positive and pretty much became a dedicated blood donor from that time on. Which is why we felt this was a pretty appropriate way to honor his memory,” said Heather. His family says he gave more than five gallons of blood to the Red Cross over his lifetime; a tradition he passed along to the family he left behind. “He's kind of the one who helped get me to start donating in the first place when I was 18, you know 14 years ago. And I figure why not, it's certainly for a good cause,” said Andrew Stern, Kevin’s nephew. Sheehan's children were very young when they lost their dad; but they've heard the stories of his willingness to help others. And today for the first time his son, Nathaniel is eligible to give blood. “I feel like its special because I get to almost carry on the tradition that he started of giving, and giving quite a bit,” said Nathaniel. Even though she's not old enough to give blood yet, Sheehan's daughter Alyson is counting down until she can also carry on the family tradition. “When I'm 16 I will donate,” said Alyson. “It is extremely inspiring to see folks coming out and giving the gift of life during this time that's really important for the Red Cross,” said Heather. And those donations are desperately needed. The Red Cross says during the summer months there is always a lull in donations.
What a great way to honor him. I was honored to be a part of it.
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