Sky’s the Limit with 41’s First Mates as they join with Operation Shower to host baby shower for 41 Norfolk-area military moms-to-be.
NORFOLK, VA (April 26, 2017) – Marking its 87th military baby shower, Operation Shower helped to bring joy to 41 military moms-to-be this week. The organization teamed up with 41’s First Mates to present an Operation Shower® group baby shower in their honor. All of the moms are the spouses of active duty or deployed members aboard the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) aircraft carrier; in some cases, the moms are active duty themselves. The shower took place at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Mary Kathryn “Woo Woo” Wood, host of The Morning Point on WPTE-FM Radio 94.9 The Point, served as the event’s guest host and emcee.
Sky’s the Limit for Fun!
Sponsored by 41’s First Mates and conducted by non-profit group Operation Shower, the “Sky’s The Limit, Baby”-themed event included lunch, raffle prizes, and the presentation of Operation Shower’s signature “Shower In A Box” to each of the moms. These boxes held gifts of high-quality products for mothers and babies; the items were donated by generous companies including Hazen Jewelry and 4Moms. Beyond the array of tangible items the moms received, there was a more treasured gift. The shower gave an opportunity for the moms to connect with other military women in the same situation: that of raising a family while their soldier is away.
“In the military, families serve too. Operation Shower was created because, typically, military moms are the ones who hold it all together; they serve at home while, their spouses proudly serve our country,” said Morrissey. “We are very appreciative to the amazing women of 41’s First Mates for joining with us to show these courageous women some love; we thank them for their innumerable sacrifices. All…while providing a platform for the moms to share camaraderie and celebrate this milestone with others…”
The event was the third Operation Shower sponsored by 41’s First Mates, a grass roots group dedicated to supporting USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH aircraft carrier personnel and their families. This ship is the 10th and final Nimitz-class supercarrier of the United States Navy. She is named for the 41st President of the United States George H.W. Bush, who was a Naval aviator during World War II.
The Sky’s CAVU
Doro Bush Koch, the daughter of former President Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, is a sponsor of the ship and served as one of the shower’s special guests. In addition to delivering remarks, she read a letter from President Bush addressed to the military moms. Each of the moms received a copy of the letter as a cherished keepsake. Kristi Pennington, wife of USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH Commanding Officer, Captain Will Pennington, also expressed words of encouragement.
A special gift presented to the moms included a CAVU painting. CAVU means “clear (skies) and visibility unlimited.” This is the ideal condition for pilots to have when serving out their missions. The painting was a replica of original artwork; it included pieces of love letters between the President and his First Lady.
“Woo Woo” Wood returned as the shower emcee for the second year in a row. A native of Norfolk, Wood has been waking up listeners on 94.9 The Point for more than 10 years. From personal and lifestyle content, to the latest in entertainment, locals turn to “Woo Woo” to find out what is happening, have some laughs, and hear the best music to start their day. In addition to her amazing career, she is a passionate supporter of local charities and causes.
Operation Shower Highlight | Norfolk, VA | Corporate Video from DSTUDIOPRO on Vimeo.
Photo Credit to: Glenn Bashaw at Images in Light
Photo Credit to: Susan Biddle
