Operation Baby Shower helps new, expecting moms Published Aug. 10, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Jackson Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Operation Showers of Appreciation, Fox5 and Eastside Cannery Casino Resorts came together to provide Nevada's largest military baby shower for local expecting mothers July 30, 2011, at the One Six Sky Lounge, which was decorated in red, white and blue for the event. The event, Operation Baby Shower, was held for approximately 125 new and expecting mothers who have husbands in the military and/or are active-duty servicewomen. "We have so many expecting moms with husbands in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Jody Shervanick, Operation Showers of Appreciation Las Vegas baby shower coordinator. "I know for these dads it means a lot to know their wives are being taken care of." During the event, the moms were presented with gifts from the local community along with many surprises that were donated by individuals or companies, which had been collected at several hotels locations on behalf of the event coordinators. Each new mother and mother-to-be received a basket filled with gifts and a large item, such as a crib or a car seat, which will help them take care of their newborn children. Operation Baby Shower also gave the new and expecting mothers: lunch, various gifts, massages and a chance to have their photograph taken professionally to send to spouses who are deployed around the world. "For many of the mothers, this is the only baby shower they'll get," Shervanick said. "We often forget that even though they don't have the uniform, they're also serving. They make a lot of sacrifices and we want them to know that we care and appreciate everything they and their spouses do."
