Group Captain Andy Hoare is no stranger to a worthy cause - including rolling up his sleeves and donating blood to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
With a whopping 131 donations under his wings, Group Captain Hoare has donated whole blood and plasma in Australia, and more recently in the United States during his current posting as the Assistant Air Attaché to the United States in Washington DC.
Group Captain Hoare began donating in the 1990s, after becoming close mates with a haemophiliac and shortly before beginning his 30 years of service. His commitment to donating blood grew deeper and closer to home when his partner required multiple life-saving blood transfusions.
"Apart from blood donation being a good community activity, you never know when you, your family or other people you care about will need blood products for any number of illnesses or conditions," Group Captain Hoare said.
"It's no different here in the United States. Our allies and partners also have a consistent need for blood products, too.
"Not everyone can donate blood or blood products, but if you can, you should think about paying it forward."
'Blood products are required everywhere across the world, so if you can, I encourage you consider the positive impact you could make and do it, too.'
He also emphasised just how easy donating can be - having once completed a donation in just four minutes and fourteen seconds - not forgetting the added bonus of a snack at the end.
"I think the key is to try and work donating into your routine, so it is sustainable and repeatable," he said.
"For me, I would always try and donate first thing in the morning, on my way into the office.
"Make it a habit to make the time, and remember you get snacks, so it's a win-win."
Group Captain Hoare has type O-negative blood, the 'universal blood type', which means people of any blood type can receive it. However, only about 7 per cent of people in Australia have it.
"My blood type is important for emergencies where someone needs blood but hasn't been typed, so given this consideration and the fact that donating blood is pretty easy for me, I keep doing it," he said.
"Whenever I donate whole blood, I get a text from the Red Cross saying my blood has been poured into someone within a couple of days of the donation.
"I am always thankful to be able to help someone in need.
"Blood products are required everywhere across the world, so if you can, I encourage you consider the positive impact you could make and do it, too."
To book a blood donation as part of the Defence Blood Drive, visit the Lifeblood website.
