Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
NORTH OGDEN, Utah (Nov. 5, 2025) — This Veterans Day, the American Red Cross of Utah and the Major Brent Taylor Foundation are calling on the community to honor the sacrifices of U.S. service members by donating blood at the Veterans Day Memorial Blood Drive. The blood drive will take place on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the North Ogden Utah Stake Center, 626 East 2600 North.
The blood drive is held in memory of Maj. Brent Taylor, a former North Ogden mayor and Utah National Guard member who gave his life in service during the Afghanistan War.
“Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region and U.S. Navy veteran. “By donating blood, we can honor their legacy and make a meaningful impact in our communities.”
A Legacy of Service: Honoring Maj. Brent Taylor
Maj. Taylor’s life was defined by service—to his family, his community and his country. While serving his fourth deployment in Afghanistan, Maj. Taylor was tragically killed in Kabul in November 2018. He was the first sitting elected U.S. official to be killed in action since the Civil War.
For Jennie Taylor, Maj. Taylor’s widow, Veterans Day is a deeply personal time to honor her husband’s memory and the sacrifices of all who have served.
“Veterans Day is a tender reminder of the courage it takes to serve,” said Jennie Taylor. “We hope this blood drive inspires others to reflect on that courage and turn it into action that helps save lives.”
Since 2021, the Major Brent Taylor Foundation has partnered with the Red Cross to host annual Veterans Day blood drives, encouraging Utahns to give back in honor of those who have served.
How to Donate
The Red Cross and the Major Brent Taylor Foundation urge the community to schedule a blood donation in honor of Maj. Taylor and all U.S. service members. Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code OgdenNorthStake to book your appointment for this Thursday or find another convenient blood drive near you.
All who donate blood or platelets between Oct. 20 and Nov. 16, 2025, will automatically be entered into the Haunted Harvest Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest. In addition to the sweepstakes entry, all donors will receive a $20 e-gift card as a thank-you for their lifesaving contribution.
About Veterans Day
First observed as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, to mark the end of World War I, Veterans Day became a federal holiday in 1954. It is celebrated annually on Nov. 11 to honor all U.S. military veterans for their service, sacrifice and dedication to protecting our nation.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
