Pregnancy and motherhood can be both a magical and difficult time for a woman, and for a military spouse, it can be even more challenging if your husband is deployed overseas. We can never say this enough, but such is the sacrifice of a military family, in the service of their country – which is why it is certainly not too much if anyone does a little something extra for these wonderful souls.

A group baby shower for new and expectant military moms was celebrated with the theme “Come Sail Away” in Cromwell, Connecticut, on June 19.

Forty moms, consisting of the spouses of deployed Navy and Connecticut Army National Guardsmen, attended the event. The baby shower is sponsored by the non-profit organization Operation Shower and Birdies for the Brave, and this year marks the second time that such an event was held in honor of new military moms.

LeAnn Morrissey, founder of Operation Shower, shared: “For military wives who are expecting a baby and whose spouses are deployed or soon to be deployed, the impending arrival of a child can be both exciting and stressful… Operation Shower was created specifically because typically military moms are the ones who hold it all together at home. Without their spouses by their side, deployed to another part of the world, these moms deserve our support, our thanks, our love and an opportunity to celebrate together.”

Also in attendance is USS Annapolis co-ombudsman – and mother of four – Melissa Coers, who shared: “Operation Shower was not around when I had my children, but what a great experience for our military spouses who sacrifice so much.”