Giving blood has always been important to Wattier
LAUREL — Everyone has God-given abilities, gifts, and talents.
These are all things that come naturally to people without much thought or effort. They are simply part of the genetic makeup of that person.
For some, it’s athleticism, while for others it’s work ethic or charisma. Whatever these ordained characteristics are, they are irrefutable.
For Tom Wattier, it’s devotion.
Wattier, Laurel, showed how devoted he was to a cause when he recently received his certificate for donating 20 gallons of blood to LifeServe Blood Center.
When breaking that down by pint donations, it means that 160 times Wattier sat in the chair to give blood. A person is allowed to donate blood up to every 56 days or 6 times per year. Although there were years Wattier didn’t make it in six times, he devoted himself to getting in when he could.
Donating blood isn’t the only thing Wattier has been devoted to. He spent 21 years in the United States Army. His retirement from the Army was actually what kick-started his blood donating endeavor.
“It seemed like the right (and simple) thing to do. When you donate blood, you are helping save lives in the community and surrounding areas,” he said.
Wattier was also devoted to his job at Gill Hauling for years before retiring in December, 2018.
While employed at the rural Jackson based company, he would complete his donation near there. Now that he is retired, he meets the blood mobile here in town.
Wattier has been married to his wife, Elaine for 51 years. They have four children and 11 grandchildren. “Everyone should take the time to donate blood if you are able. It is a simple way to give to your community. You never know whose life it may impact.”
LifeServe Blood Bank collects approximately 156,000 units of blood a year and provides blood and blood products to more than 120 hospitals in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.
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