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Women Veterans Program Hosts Warrior Moms Baby Shower

Wende Dottor, the Executive Health System Director, and Ilona Schmalfuss, the Chief of Staff, deliver goodies at the Warrior Moms baby shower.
Wende Dottor, the Executive Health System Director, and Dr. Ilona Schmalfuss, Chief of Staff, deliver goodies at the Warrior Moms baby shower.
By Katie Butler, Public Affairs Specialist

The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System’s Women Veterans Program recently organized a “Warrior Moms” baby shower at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center (Malcom Randall VAMC) in Gainesville, Fla, attracting over 46 expectant mothers.

This special event celebrated the journeys of soon-to-be moms, creating a supportive atmosphere for all in attendance.

Women Veterans from across north Florida and south Georgia gathered for the event, with some of the furthest traveling mothers coming from Tallahassee, Waycross, and Valdosta to participate in the “Warrior Moms” baby shower. The event was held at the Malcom Randall VAMC’s valet driveway and featured a unique drive-thru format. 

As attendees made their way through the drive-thru baby shower, they encountered multiple stops where they received thoughtful gifts, had photos taken to commemorate the day, and enjoyed snacks at the end of the line. This initiative not only celebrated the joys of motherhood but also fostered a sense of community among women Veterans. 

The drive-thru event offered an opportunity for moms to enjoy the comfort of their cars while being showered with a variety of gifts. Among the delightful items distributed were handmade blankets, baby clothes, toys, practical pack-n-plays, baby monitors, strollers, bathtubs, and an abundance of diapers and wipes. This thoughtful initiative ensured that moms felt valued and supported, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Cheryl Tillman, Women Veterans Program Manager said “The Women Veterans Program Team takes great pride in hosting the Warrior Mom’s Drive-Thru Baby Shower, an event that allows us to honor and celebrate pregnant women Veterans for their service and growing families. For many, this is the only baby shower they receive, making it a heartwarming and meaningful occasion.”

Tillman, Haley Heindl, Maternity Care Coordinator, and Chanese Robinson, Women Veterans Program Assistant, expressed their joy in seeing the smiling faces of Warrior Moms as they drove through, emphasizing how rewarding it is to recognize these women Veterans enduring such a special time in their lives.

The “Warrior Moms” baby shower was more than just a celebration; it fostered a sense of camaraderie among women Veterans while underscoring the VA's dedication to addressing the unique needs of women both in and out of service. Our goal is to always deliver exceptional care to women Veterans, ensuring they feel valued and supported throughout their journey. Together, we are building a community that recognizes and honors the contributions of women Veterans everywhere.