The VA Maryland Health Care System held its Annual Baby Shower on July 25, 2026, at the Loch Raven VA Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The event honored expectant and new mothers connected to the veteran community and brought together VA staff, volunteers, Veteran Service Organizations, and community partners.
Dr. Siobhan D. Kirksey, Women Veteran Program Manager; Mrs. Kenya Griffin, Chief of Public and Community Relations; and Mrs. Rosalind Gray, VA Voluntary Service Specialist, invited Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter members, VA volunteers, and members of other Veteran Service Organizations to support the event.
Donna Robinson and Janice Chance represented the Maryland Chapter. They joined VA volunteers and Women’s Health staff, with additional support from Voluntary Services and Public Relations. Volunteers helped make the shower a welcoming and well-organized event by assisting with set-up and decorations, serving lunch, coordinating games and distributing baby gifts.
Requested baby shower items and monetary gifts were donated by several Veteran Service Organizations, individuals, and community partners. The Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter also contributed a variety of requested baby gift items. Approximately 45 expectant mothers registered to attend, though some were unable to participate as planned. Each mother received a tote bag filled with baby items, along with other special gifts.
Dr. Kirksey led several games, which the mothers and guests shared that they enjoyed. Game winners received prizes for their babies, and a delicious lunch was provided by Bidle Street Caterer. The mothers, fathers, and guests expressed their appreciation for the event and the support they received. Ms. Rosalia Scalia, Public Affairs Specialist, interviewed several mothers, who shared their gratitude and reflections on the baby shower.
