Giving blood, in honor of American war hero, Gary Beikrich

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – Giving blood, in honor of American war hero, Gary Beikrich. Monroe county and the veterans outreach center hosted the blood drive for heroes today at the eastside family YMCA in Penfield.

The army special forces veteran received the medal of honor. The military’s highest decoration, for his heroic actions as a combat medic in the Vietnam war.

Beikrich passed away in December.

“Our goal today is to collect 72 units of blood in memory of Gary and all that blood we collect here locally will stay locally to support patients in all of our hospital systems”, said James Love of the American Red Cross.

"Gary was a very important piece of the fabric of the YMCA , not only as a member but as an advocate for our mission and for what we do,” said Pam Cowan, Chief Experience officer of YMCA Greater Rochester.

Those who donated blood got a five dollar e-gift card.