A celebration of strength | va houston health care | veterans affairs

Army Veteran Samantha Hoving, a mother of four, was one of 49 women Veterans showered with love, gifts and support at the Houston VA’s 9th Annual Veteran Baby Shower in early October.

Hoving, who is pregnant with baby number five, was thrilled to participate in the event.    “As a mom of four, soon to be five kiddos, I never thought I would have something like this for

this baby,” she said.  “The VA made this pregnancy feel like it’s just a special as me having my first….which it truly is.  I left the shower feeling so extremely blessed and thankful.” The

baby shower was aimed at honoring women Veteran mothers-to-be in their third trimester by offering them essential newborn item donations and various VA and community resources. The event

included lots of laughter, fun, refreshments and games.  “It was our pleasure to celebrate not only the upcoming arrivals of these new babies, but also the incredible strength and resilience

of these women who served our country,” said Shelita Magee, Chief of Houston VA’s Civic Engagement Department, who coordinated the shower.   “It is truly our pleasure to give back to our

women Veterans and support them as they navigate the new challenges of motherhood.” The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston cares for more than 131,000 Veterans and continues to

grow in number of patients.  The medical center has created numerous programs and services tailored for women Veterans, which are the fastest growing population of Veterans registering for

healthcare at the medical center. “The average age of our women Veteran patients is 41, compared to the average age of male Veteran patients, which is 65,” said Deleene Menefee, Phd, the

facility’s women veterans program manager.   “We have expanded our services enormously and come a long way in serving women veterans. Our VA has worked hard to create a culture that

celebrates women Veterans and all of their unique experiences like childbirth,” Numerous members of the community and Veteran supporters donated baby presents and other gifts for the baby

shower attendees, who also learned infant CPR and received valuable information about safe sleep practices, breastfeeding and more.    “Our goal was to make the baby shower a day of joy,

connection and empowerment,” Magee said.   “It was great to see the Veterans getting to know each other and celebrating with other mothers who share that military bond.”