HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa. -- The 111th Attack Wing hosted a mom-to-be luncheon for more than 40 expectant mothers at the Wing headquarters here, Nov. 3.
The guest list was comprised of both military members and servicemembers’ pregnant loved ones, with the event sponsored in part by the Pennsylvania Freemasons.
Commonwealth mason and disabled Pennsylvania Army National Guard veteran Thomas Long said, “We’re able to give back to the community and my fellow veterans. Any burden that we can take off our [military members] for the first year of their child’s life is what we’re trying to do.”
The afternoon event was scheduled to include episodes that were both informative and enjoyable. How-tos for first-time parents, along with reminders and recommendations for seasoned matriarchs, were sprinkled between games and the presentation of numerous baby supplies.
“I’m just amazed at how unbelievable all of this is; it’s so beautiful,” said Senior Airman Jessica Simpson, 111th Security Forces Squadron. “This is more than I could’ve imagined.”
Gifts, games and goodies aside, then day was about intangibles; fostering a healthy family and healthy baby. As part of total Airmen fitness, the key to a resilient force, emotional wellness stands as one of the four pillars. A safe, happy and healthy family leads to greater emotional wellness and, in turn, a stronger force of Air National Guardsmen.
The term family extended to include the developing babies’ military clan.
“All the guys [in my squadron] couldn’t wait for the gender reveal,” said Simpson, who is readying for her baby boy. “They were like, ‘Come on; we have a bet going on here. What is it?’ They all said that they’re excited about having a nephew.
“Especially the guys I deployed with. We’re so close, they all think of this baby as their nephew and it’s really cute.”