Killeen Early College students explore careers, blood donation at Robertson Blood Donor Center

High school students studying to become the next generation of medical professionals got a firsthand look at how a single donation travels from a donor's arm to a Soldier on the battlefield during a tour of the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Robertson Blood Donor Center on Sept. 25.
The tour gave Killeen Early College High School students, who are currently studying to become certified clinical medical assistants, a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Robertson Blood Donor Center’s vital national security mission. Beyond just drawing blood, the students explored the complex, high-stakes world of clinical laboratory science—a field that directly sustains warfighters and military families worldwide.
For many of the students, who attend Central Texas College’s Killeen campus, the visit shattered common misconceptions about healthcare careers. While most people associate blood centers strictly with phlebotomy, the students learned that the laboratory is a high-tech engine of diagnostic medicine.
"It’s a great opportunity, and I appreciate the coordinators, because it allows the students to come and see what we do," said Jaime Torres, a clinical laboratory scientist at the Robertson Blood Donor Center. "You never know when you’re going to find that precious gem in one of them and if these tours will trigger one of them to actually say, 'You know what, I like this and I want to do this.'"
Torres emphasized that laboratory science is the unsung hero of patient care.
"Everybody thinks that the lab is just the phlebotomy area and say, 'Oh, that’s where you can get blood,' but it’s more than that," Torres said. "For them to actually see what the actual lab is all about, it’s wonderful."
The Robertson Blood Donor Center operates as a critical node for the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP), the official blood program of the U.S. military. When blood products are not deployed downrange to support active operations, they are funneled directly back into the local military healthcare system.
"Any blood products that are not used to support the mission are sent to the hospital to support mothers, patients that are injured on base as well as beneficiaries who may be undergoing any kind of surgery," said Maj. Robert Weaver, laboratory officer and director of the Robertson Blood Donor Center.
For Weaver, hosting the students is an investment in the future readiness of military medicine.
"It’s good to have the students here and to have an interest in the clinical laboratory field," Weaver said. "Some are looking forward to becoming nurses, and one mentioned becoming an Army nurse, so that’s good to see them have this opportunity."
The partnership between local schools and the military installation bridges the gap between academic textbooks and real-world execution. Lawrence Williams, a career technical educator and tour coordinator at Killeen Early College High School, expressed deep gratitude to the lab team for opening their doors.
"I just wanted to thank the team for this tour for the students, and it’s such an honor and privilege," Williams said. "It makes me feel good to know that our family members who are serving in the military are well taken care of because we have people like you."
By introducing the next generation to the vital processes of blood collection, testing, and distribution, the Robertson Blood Donor Center staff is not only securing the blood supply of today but inspiring the medical pioneers of tomorrow.

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