In recent days the news has been filled with tales of carnage inflicted upon innocent victims. From the serial murderer registered sex offender in Cleveland to the 13 killed and 31 injured at Fort Hood by a deranged gunman to the 1 killed and 5 injured in Orlando by a disgruntled former employee.

This morning, after hearing the news of the Fort Hood massacre, I went down to my local blood donation center and donated blood. The brave men and women who protect us with their lives ask nothing from us. The least I could do was to give some of my blood to those who offer up theirs on a daily basis.

Red Cross of Orange County is the place to start. They take blood donations, cash donations, offer first aid and CPR classes and are always looking for volunteers.

With Veterans Day upon us next week, lets all take a minute this weekend to honor those brave souls who serve us by thanking a veteran, attending an event to honor veterans or maybe even hiring a veteran.