Preparing for parenthood comes with extra challenges for military families, and the Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces team helps ensure no one does it alone through programs that offer connection, education and support. (Photos by Shannon O’Neill/American Red Cross).
Mimi Teller/American Red Cross
Laughter, connection and a sense of community filled the room as the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces team hosted a “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” baby shower for new and expectant military parents at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Hosted by the Red Cross Pacific Islands Region Hawaiʻi Chapter, the event offered military families a welcoming space to celebrate a new chapter while learning about resources designed to support them before, during and after a child’s arrival. Thoughtfully arranged tables displayed Red Cross gift bags, onesies, decorations and parenting books as families arrived, checked in and connected with one another.
“We know that welcoming a new baby can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for military families who may be far from home,” said Dawn McNaughton, American Red Cross regional program specialist for Service to the Armed Forces and International Services. “This baby shower is about bringing families together, sharing support and reminding them they’re never alone.”
A highlight of the event was a special appearance by Heidi Murkoff, author of the renowned What to Expect book series, including What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Murkoff and her husband generously helped host the baby shower, providing lunch, gifts and a book signing for attending families. Murkoff spoke warmly to parents-to-be about navigating pregnancy and early parenthood, while also emphasizing the importance of infant CPR training and preparedness.
Throughout the afternoon, families browsed resource tables, listened to speakers and participated in raffle drawings for Red Cross gift bags filled with baby essentials and educational materials. Expectant parents proudly held up Red Cross onesies, smiling as they imagined the days ahead. Among the raffle winners were expectant mothers and fathers including Jaylin Sangster, Dylan Schitte and Christopher Standrews, each leaving with a gift bag and encouragement from volunteers and staff.
The event was also made special through the dedication of the Red Cross team and volunteers. Volunteer photographer Shannon O’Neill captured meaningful moments throughout the day and exemplified the Red Cross mission in action. At one point, while staff were briefly pulled away, O’Neill took the initiative to explain the Red Cross Hero Care Network services to an expectant mother, offering information that could one day help her family stay connected during a crisis.
Families gathered at the end of the event for a group photo with Murkoff and Red Cross staff, marking a joyful moment of connection and shared experience.
“It’s a privilege to support service members and their loved ones every step of the way,” McNaughton said. “Events like this remind us why the Service to the Armed Forces mission matters so deeply.”
As families departed with gift bags in hand and smiles on their faces, the message was clear: the Red Cross is honored to walk alongside military families as they welcome new life into their homes.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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