EOVAHCS 2025 Baby Shower: Celebrating and Supporting Our Expecting Female Veterans
By Gina Goodson, Deputy Public Affairs Officer
The Eastern Oklahoma VA Women Veterans Program recently hosted its 4th annual, highly anticipated 2025 baby shower event on October 17, 2025, organized under the dedicated guidance of our very own Makyla Clark, Women’s Team Maternity Care Coordinator.
This year, the baby showers were held in two separate locations, Muskogee VA Hospital and Tulsa Ernest Childers Outpatient Clinic, bringing together a total of forty expecting female veterans whose participation made the events truly memorable.
The Maternity Care program went above and beyond in their preparations this year. They requested and received a variety of essential baby items, including cribs & crib mattresses, high chairs, strollers, bouncy seats, car seats, high-tech diaper bags, clothes, and various baby items tailored to each veteran's needs. Additionally, each veteran received a case of diapers and wipes. This all-hands-on-deck effort by the Women Veterans Program team ensured that everything was perfect for the showers.
The Women’s Team's commitment to our veterans goes beyond just planning these annual events. Makyla takes the time to assess the individual needs of each expecting female veteran, providing personalized support throughout their pregnancy and continuing her guidance for twelve months post-delivery. This comprehensive approach allows Makyla to build special relationships of trust and appreciation with these women, offering them continuous care during a pivotal time in their lives.
The Women's Program team at EOVAHCS takes immense pride in the successful execution of this cherished event. Every year, the team works tirelessly to ensure that each baby shower is not only a celebration but also a significant support system for our expecting female veterans.
This success would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of our local Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE). Their dedication in soliciting donors to fund the wonderful shower items contributed significantly to the event's splendor. The collaborative spirit and generosity of these donors make it possible to provide our veterans with the best experience and resources.
The appreciation from the women veterans was palpable in their excitement and heartfelt thanks during the events. Many of the women veterans messaged Makyla Clark, the Maternity Care Coordinator, after receiving their gifts, expressing their gratitude and joy. These messages made the long preparation worth it for Makyla and the Women Veterans Program team.
The annual baby shower has undoubtedly become a favorite event within the women’s health program at EOVAHCS. It emphasizes the strong community we have built and highlights our unwavering commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our female veterans. We look forward to continuing this tradition and creating many more memorable moments in the future.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making the EOVAHCS 2025 Baby Shower a resounding success.