It’s impossible to describe the feelings Staff Sergeant Shawn Burton and his wife felt when they were told their newly-born son, Samuel, would have to undergo emergency open-heart surgery. Only 48-hours-old, his pulmonary artery was in need of immediate repair in order to live. Blood transfusions were crucial during the surgery and to this little one’s recovery. Today the prognosis is good, but the journey is not over for this happy, playful, three-year-old. Samuel will be undergoing his third open-heart surgery and again, blood donors will play an important part in his recovery.

“We thank the many husbands, wives, aunts, uncles and soldiers who are willing to donate blood in an effort to save so many lives. God bless you,” said SSG Burton.

As both a donor and the blood drive coordinator for the Nebraska Army National Guard at Camp Ashland, SSG Burton reflected, “I always tell the soldiers how important it is to give back to the community in any way possible and giving blood is just one way they can give back.”

Just like so many others who depend on the community’s blood bank, SSG Burton and his family know that thanks to volunteer blood donors, they have a beautiful little boy to enjoy every day.