Kenneth Hamblin Reaches 100 Gallons in Lifesaving Blood Donations by Don Escalante - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

MARCH
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events

Kenneth Hamblin Reaches 100 Gallons in Lifesaving Blood Donations

By Don Escalante, Community Writer
April 11, 2016 at 08:29am. Views: 110

Vietnam veteran and former U.S. Marine Kenneth Hamblin of the Inland Empire became the ninth LifeStream blood donor to reach the 100-gallon plateau in lifetime blood donations Tuesday, March 8 at LifeStream blood bank’s San Bernardino Donor Center. Hamblin, 76, shared the moment with wife Barbara; daughter-in-law Jenny Arrington, Yucaipa; and 4-year-old granddaughter, Arianna. Hamblin first donated blood in 1959 while a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He began donating regularly following his discharge from the military when his workplace hosted mobile blood drives, and later transitioned to monthly plasma donations at LifeStream’s former location on Blood Bank Road. The Grand Rapids, Mich. native later began donating platelets the maximum 24 times per year, which is his current routine. He performs other community service close to his heart, too. “Mr. Hamblin donates blood on Tuesdays,” said LifeStream President, CEO and Medical Director Dr. Rick Axelrod during a brief ceremony before staff and fellow donors. “Not Mondays; not Wednesdays. Because on those days, Kenneth volunteers at the Loma Linda VA as a shuttle driver to help patients get to and from the parking lot and the facility.” Special guests on hand to help honor the achievement and make presentations to Mr. Hamblin were John Futch, deputy chief of staff for San Bernardino County Supervisor James Ramos; and Joshua Monzone, field representative for Sen. Mike Morrell. When he’s not donating blood or giving back to his community at the VA, Mr. Hamblin fulfills the wishes of family and friends via his cabinet-making skills. In line with his attitude about attaining 100 gallons in blood donations, he is modest about the pursuit. “I like it, but I’m not as good as my grandfather was,” he said.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

January 29, 2026 at 09:50am. Views: 804

Come check out Flight Deck Bike Park!
Flight Deck Bike Park is the largest Velosolutions pump track in Southern California.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 383

AI-generated image of a family of four sitting at a kitchen table, looking together at a laptop while holding CalFresh informational materials and an application form. The adults and children appear engaged and focused, suggesting they are reviewing or applying for food assistance benefits.

Photo Courtesy of: SBC Transitional Assistance Department

By William Cortez, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 408

A San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Mobile Office vehicle is parked outdoors as a staff member stands in the doorway assisting a woman holding a tote bag. The vehicle displays information about applying for CalWORKs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal, highlighting mobile services available to county residents.

Photo Courtesy of: CUSM

By Cynthia Baker, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 490

Taken on July 22, 2025: The MD class of 2029 MD took the Hippocratic Oath and received their white coats, symbolizing entrance into the medical profession.
"This class brings the largest number of Inland Empire-based students to a CUSM MD class," said Paul Lyons, MD, President and Dean of California University of Science and Medicine. "It is core to our mission to support the communities of the Inland Empire in terms of education and health accessibility. Admitting qualified IE-based students is a major part of bringing our mission to life."

Photo Courtesy of: Jesus Ocegueda

By Jesus Ocegueda, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 371

Chelsea Evans, founder of Honey Butter Brittle by Heavenly Delights Company, smiles while holding packages of her homemade honey butter brittle. Her small-batch treats are known for their soft, creamy texture and variety of bold, handcrafted flavors.

Photo Courtesy of: Its Boba Time, Colton PR Coordinator

By Richard Lee, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 429

Students from Paul J. Rodgers Elementary School sit together on a classroom rug, while a volunteer from It's Boba Time holds up a colorful children’s book, during a story-time activity.

Photo Courtesy of: Not Supplied

By Dr. Timothy Jenkins, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 480

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 352

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Samyah Green

Photo Courtesy of: Mike Hoover

By Colonel John Morris, Community Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 444

Col John Morris is a retired Air Force Officer with over 40 years of combined military and civilian service to his country.

Photo Courtesy of: Upmost Barbershop

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 365

A barbershop chair sits beside a wall mural featuring large scissors and the logo for Upmost Barbershop inside the shop.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 238

Three children play basketball on an indoor court, with one child dribbling the ball while the others move nearby.
In Moreno Valley, there’s never a dull moment—especially when it comes to sports and recreation!

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 433

After closing on February 19, due to several Life Safety and Fire Protection violations, the Moreno Valley Mall is now permitted to reopen.

--> -->