Veterans Day 2020

On this day, Bob’s BMW would like to pause to thank all those who so bravely serve our country. We want to extend a special thanks and take a moment to recognize the accomplishments of a fellow rider, enthusiast, long-time customer of Bob’s BMW, friend, and honorable member of the military, Colonel Glen Michael Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.

Army Col. Audra L. Taylor, division chief, Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) states, “His career is truly great in scope and accomplishment. Fitzpatrick was there when the country needed him most during both war and peacetime. He ensured the military had access to the blood products it needed, carried out groundbreaking research, and worked with the international blood banking community to create synergy which benefitted the warfighter. ASBP owes him profound gratitude.” 

After four decades of service and major contributions to his country including serving in key capacities in Operations Desert Shield and Storm, the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Colonel Fitzpatrick was awarded the ASBP Lifetime Achievement Award this year. 

Highlights of Colonel Fitzpatrick’s Career Include:

Commissioned on graduation from the ROTC program at Colorado State University

Earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University

Began his Army career in 1975 as a medical field specialist with the 629thMedical Clearing Company 

Served as blood bank Chief at Madigan Army Medical Center from 1983-1985, and then laboratory manager at Tripler Army Medical Center from 1985-1988

Provided oversight in the planning and distribution of blood support for Operations Desert Shield and Storm while serving as Joint Blood Program Officer for the US European Command from 1988-1991

Provided blood support for emergencies like the 1998 air show disaster at Ramstein Air Base as well as for NASA Space Shuttles and special forces operations

Directed research and development for advanced blood products at the Armed Services Blood Program Office from 1996-1999

Served as the director of ASBPO from 1999-2003 where he was responsible for coordinating and maintaining an adequate blood supply for the Department of Defense

Retired from active duty in 2003 but continued a military blood connection on the civilian collection agency side as Chief Policy Officer and Chief Operating Officer for America’s Blood Centers 

Currently president and director of clinical research and development for biotechnology company, Cellphire, Inc.

Continues to serve as a mentor and research advisor for ASBP Specialist in Blood Banking Fellowship 

Under each of these roles, Colonel Fitzpatrick accomplished a long list of achievements ranging from developing the plan for modernizing the frozen blood program, coordinating with other agencies for funding and development of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, fibrin bandage, cryopreserved platelets, and lyophilized platelets; to developing and implementing all DoD policies regarding blood collection, distribution, storage, and transfusion; and completing tasks like testifying before congress and the FDA, obtaining federal permission to fly blood products across the nations when all civilian aircraft was grounded after 9/11, and much, much more.

Today, in between his current professional roles, Colonel Fitzpatrick rides! His motorcycle collection includes a 1985 BMW K100, R67/2 sidecar rig, R1200C, and most recently the all-new R18!

Bob’s BMW is honored to know and call Colonel Fitzpatrick a member of the Bob’s BMW family. It is our pleasure to serve him and the thousands of other veteran riders. Here’s to Veterans Day 2020!