Unit's blood to support service members worldwide

2 Aug 2011 | Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit donated to the Armed Services Blood Program during a drive at Camp Del Mar here Aug. 2.

Medical personnel from Naval Medical Center San Diego hosted the monthly on-base drive, inviting the unit and surrounding military personnel to give.

“I give blood because I can,” said Cpl. Brandon J. Rivero, 20, a Miami native and an administrative clerk with the unit. “It’s free and it could mean everything to somebody one day. If I’m able to help someone, I will.”

According to Petty Officer 1st Class Ben E. Deza, the donated blood will be processed into three different blood products and distributed to the center and to armed services worldwide.

“One donation could potentially save three peoples’ lives,” said Deza, a 31-year-old San Mateo, Calif., native, and a lab technician with the center.

For more information, visit the program's website www.militaryblood.dod.mil.

The unit is scheduled to deploy to the Western Pacific in the fall.


Marine Corps News

Colonel Thomas M. Siverts
Commanding Officer

Colonel Tom Siverts is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1989. He achieved a commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program following his graduation from the University of Virginia in May 1999. Colonel Siverts has deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM. His other operational deployments include serving with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU); BLT 3/8, 22d MEU; BLT 2/8, 26th MEU, and Task Force 61/2.

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Lieutenant Col. Steven M. Sprigg
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LtCol Sprigg was born in Parkersburg, WV. LtCol Sprigg enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 2004 and recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. LtCol Sprigg was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in March 2008. He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2011 and reported to HMLAT-303 for training as an AH-1W pilot. LtCol Sprigg is currently serving as the Executive Officer for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Camp Pendleton, California.

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Sergeant Major Travis L. DeBarr
Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major DeBarr enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to MCRD San Diego, CA, for recruit training in October 1994.Staff Sergeant DeBarr completed two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2005 to April 2006 and again form March 2007 to September 2007. While serving with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, First Sergeant DeBarr completed one combat deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from October 2012 to May 2013. Sergeant Major DeBarr currently serves as the Sergeant Major for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

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