A special Blood Drive in memory of one of the most decorated military veterans in Rochester area history, Gary Beikirch, will be held Saturday, August 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northwest Family YMCA, 730 Long Pond Road, Rochester.The drive comes at a time when blood donors are needed, as the American Red Cross launched an emergency blood appeal earlier this month after a 25% drop in blood inventory in July.
A former U.S. Special Forces combat medic, Beikirch was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions at Camp Dak Seang, Vietnam in April 1970. Beikirch, 22 years old at the time, was hit twice by North Vietnamese fire, including a shrapnel wound to his spine. Despite his serious injuries, he helped defend the camp and repeatedly exposed himself to fire to provide aid to the wounded. After two years of intensive rehabilitation, including learning to walk again, Beikirch received his Medal of Honor in 1973.
Following his military career, he continued his service to others, working as a counselor for the Greece Central School District and as an ordained minister. He also continued to work with his fellow veterans in the community, eventually serving as executive director of the Veterans Outreach Center. He died in 2021 at the age of 74, following a battle with cancer.
Those interested in honoring Gary’s memory through a blood donation can make an appointment by visiting http://Redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor keyword YMCAGaryB, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
One in seven patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion. At the same time, only about 3% of Americans give blood. The American Red Cross needs more people to make and keep appointments to give blood or platelets during the summer months. Donors of all blood types – particularly type O blood donors, the most needed blood group by hospitals – and platelet donors are needed daily to meet demand.
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