WASHINGTON — Red and white joined the typical blue and pink at a special baby shower for military both new and expecting mothers.
The Operation Homefront Star-Spangled Baby Shower in Springfield, Virginia, brought together more than 50 expecting moms who received special gifts to make their lives a little easier.
Kerby Strekko, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and whose husband served in Operation Enduring Freedom, left the baby shower with a car seats and additional gifts for her fourth baby.
“I’m glad that we could have this to add to what we already have,” Strekko said.
Since 2008, Operation Homefront has provided baby supplies to more than 17,000 military new and expecting moms. In most locations, the families who participate have deployed service members, wounded service members, and other junior and mid-grade service members and their families.
Strekko said that the event also provided a support system of those in similar situations.
“You get to meet other moms, you get to talk with them,” Strekko said. “It becomes like you have a new family.”
Anna Slaten, one of the organizers for the baby shower, says it’s about providing resources and making these moms feel welcome.
“It’s really all about helping build that community because a lot of them aren’t from this area and then also helping alleviate that financial stress that really does come with welcoming the newborn,” Slaten said.
For one mom, the event encouraged her to want to give back in the future.
“I’m actually thinking about coming out and helping and volunteering next year,” said Amanda Burgess, who is expecting her third child and first girl. “It’s great to watch moms who can’t afford things be excited over the things that they get for free.”
WTOP’s Melissa Howell contributed to this report.
