CHARLESTON, S.C. – Cadets and staff at military schools in South Carolina and Virginia are trying to prove that the sight of needles and blood don't make them squeamish.
The Citadel and Virginia Military Institute are holding blood drives Tuesday and, for the first time, the events are a competition to see which institution can give the most blood.
The winner gets a trophy and bragging rights and the knowledge that they are helping others.
The Citadel is the largest donor of whole blood to the Charleston area chapter of the American Red Cross. It is also the largest donor of platelets in South Carolina.
Tuesday's event is hosted by the Red Cross and the Armed Services Blood Program at Ft. Gordon, Ga.
Last year, The Citadel donated almost 1,900 units of blood.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox