Nellis site of Nevada’s biggest military baby shower

Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Sun

Air Force Airman 1st Class Holly Hughes, who is 22 weeks pregnant, and Airman 1st Class Michael Ruark laugh while opening gifts for their daughter Saturday during Nevada’s largest military baby shower at Nellis Air Force Base.

By Kyle Hansen (contact)

Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

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It was a typical baby shower in most respects — there was cake, decorations, cheesy games and lots of presents.

But it was a larger than a typical shower. Actually, it was about 50 times larger.

The largest military baby shower in Nevada was held Saturday afternoon at Nellis Air Force Base for 51 new or soon-to-be mothers who are either in the military or have military partners.

“So many times the spouses don’t get thanked,” said Jody Shervanick, the person who organized the event for the organization Soldiers’ Angels. “They don’t wear uniforms or get certificates, but they still serve.”

This was the third year the event was put on by the nonprofit group, but last year, they only had 17 moms.

Most of the mothers this year were from Nellis, but some were from Creech Air Force Base and one drove more than three hours from Caliente.

Most were are having, or just had, one baby, but one mother is expecting twins and another, triplets.

“Since we didn’t have our own baby shower, this is nice,” said Jamie Cothran, who attended the shower with her 7-week-old daughter, Jade, and her mother-in-law.

Her husband was able to come home briefly from Afghanistan for the birth, but getting to know other military moms helps in his absence, she said.

“There’s a lot of support with them,” she said. “It’s nice to know you’re not the only one going through it.”

Staff Sgt. Sarah Scott, who is expecting a baby girl in January and already has a 19-month-old, agreed.

“It’s difficult when you’re away from family and everything, but they take care of you here,” she said. “There’s a lot of support here at Nellis. Everyone’s so helpful.”

Felicia Renee Higgins, who is expecting a boy in January, said the gifts were going to be a big help.

“Especially with your first child, you don’t really have everything, and being in the military you don’t have anyone around,” she said.

Each mother received flowers from her husband, fiancé or boyfriend, as well as a basket overflowing with gifts.

“This is really nice,” Higgins said. “It is really overwhelming. I didn’t expect all this.”

Shervanick said the gifts were all donated, some by people as far away as Germany, and a group of 35 volunteers held a wrapping party last weekend.

It took 58 volunteers to put on Saturday’s event, and nearly a year of planning, she said.

In the process, Shervanick said, she became part of many of the families represented at the event. In some cases, she knew about a birth before the father did, if he was overseas.

The event was a success for her because of the moms’ reactions, she said. “It’s wonderful. It definitely makes all the hard work worth it,” she said.

Discussion: 9 comments so far…

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By emvance

Oct. 11, 2009

7:14 a.m.

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There are never to many thanks for the men and women in the armed services ... this is GREAT ... I just became I grandpa for the first time 8lbs 4oz big boy ten finger and ten toes . I wish you all the best of luck and and have a healthy baby. I will make sure he will grow up to be in the Special forces just like his grandpa and his father in Iraq. God bless you all and have a safe return...
By bdover

Oct. 11, 2009

10:12 a.m.

Comment removed by staff.
By mikegino

Oct. 11, 2009

10:34 a.m.

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mandingo: you neglected to mention that Neil Bush didn't serve in Nam.
By Bodytalk555

Oct. 11, 2009

11:04 a.m.

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Thanks to all our Armed forces mothers and fathers!
By souper12

Oct. 11, 2009

2:05 p.m.

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Finally something to read that actually is good news. With all that is going on that can create sadness, this has touhed my heart. I think it is wonderfull that these people are experiencing a day of joy!! Not too much of that going on lately! Wish I could have been there !!To all of you soon to be parents !!!! Keep THAT SMILE ON YOUR FACE !!!
By rumrunner

Oct. 12, 2009

9:12 a.m.

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I saw this on the news,and it made my night.These expectant mothers deserve so much more!As there men are out standing the wall,WE ALL SLEEP IN PEACE AS SHE SLEEPS IN FEAR!I DO HAVE ONE OTHER THING TO ADD,MR PRESIDENT,IF OUR ARMED FORCES NEED MORE TROOPS TO GET THE JOB DONE,GIVE IT TO THEM! IF THEY NEED MORE FUNDING,GIVE IT TO THEM!HE NEEDS TO REMEMBER THAT HIM AND HIS FAMILY SLEEP SAFE AT NIGHT WITH OUR ARMED FORCES KEEPING US SAFE!GOD BLESS ALL THE NEW PAPAS!AND A MILLION THANKS FOR MINE AND MY FAMILIES FREEDOM!!!