Thirty military moms-to-be from Luke Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca and the Arizona National Guard were honored during an Operation Shower/Birdies for the Brave group baby shower on Tuesday, January 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost presented by PRO EM located on the 18th hole of the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale. The shower was hosted during tournament week of the PGA TOUR’s Waste Management Phoenix Open (WMPO), the largest-attended professional golf event in the world. The moms are either active duty themselves, or the spouse of a deployed or active duty service member.
Humanitarian and military mom Cindy McCain, wife of U.S. Senator John McCain and national spokesperson for Blue Star Moms, spoke during the event, which was emcee’d by local news broadcaster Andrea Robinson. Other special guests included ESPN’s Kenny Mayne; Angie Watson, wife of PGA TOUR player Bubba Watson; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brad Ziegler and his wife, Kristen; and singer/songwriter Cali Rodi.
“I am delighted to have an opportunity to help honor these courageous military moms-to-be for everything they do behind the scenes or on the front lines to proudly serve our country,” said McCain, whose two sons are serving in the military. “Their service and sacrifice are immeasurable and deserve to be recognized.”
Conducted in partnership with Birdies for the Brave, a national military outreach initiative proudly supported by the PGA TOUR, the “A Star Is Born”-themed event was presented by R&S Mattress, with support from the Waste Management Phoenix Open, PRO EM Party & Event Rentals, CDW, Pasttime for Patriots and Fighter Country Partnership.
“It’s our privilege to show appreciation to these amazing military moms-to-be during this special Operation Shower event,” said R&S Mattress Owners John and Rob Merwin. “As a family-run business, we understand the added stress that a spouse’s absence places on the rest of the family, and truly admire the courage and strength of military moms experiencing pregnancy during deployment – and especially in cases where the moms are active duty themselves.”
In addition to lunch provided by M Catering by Michael’s, each of the honored moms received Operation Shower’s signature “Shower In A Box” – a gift of high-quality products for mothers and babies that were donated by companies across the U.S. Beyond these tangible items, the most meaningful gift may be the unique opportunity for the moms to gain comfort and support from other military moms in the same situation.
“Operation Shower was created to honor military families who serve our country and are experiencing pregnancy – a joyous time, but also a stressful time. For everything they do, these moms deserve our support, our love, and an opportunity to celebrate together. We aim to provide a joyful day full of love and great gifts!” said Operation Shower Founder and Chief Shower Officer LeAnn Morrissey.
“I just want to say thank you all who blessed us with your kind words, laughter and many gifts.To everyone who made this possible…from the speakers to the waiters just know my family really appreciates your contribution. You all made us feel very special and I am very honored by your kindness. My family will be forever grateful!” Jethari, Shower Recipient
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