In 2013, Ryan Smith '06, was stationed at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base in San Bernardino County, California. It was there when he and his wife Christine discovered that they were expecting their first child, a little boy whom they would name Connor.
Riley, Ryan Smith's sister, is currently a senior at Lancaster Catholic and spoke about her sister-in-law's struggles of motherhood.
"My sister-in-law was very isolated when they lived at the Twentynine Palms Base because she moved from Pennsylvania to be with my brother, so when she found out she was pregnant, she didn't know anyone there. I remember talking to her and she told me how hard it was."
It was this conversation that sparked Riley's interest in helping other Marine families by starting Operation Marine Baby Shower at the Twentynine Palms Marine Base in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps Family Readiness program.
Keeter Kallam, Deployment Readiness Coordinator for Combat Logistics Battalion 7 at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base is thrilled that Riley started this service project.
"I was so grateful to be the middleman for our spouses to receive baby items! Diapers and wipes are always in high demand for our new parents and the other items they sent allowed for us to have a day where we got our unit spouses together and pampered them a little," said Keeter. "They absolutely loved it!"
Last year, Riley and her mother, Laurie, planned a small shower for the women at the base. But for the Second Annual Operation Marine Baby Shower, Riley wanted to make a bigger impact and invited her friend and classmate Katie Keane and the Lancaster Catholic community to be involved.
Katie has a very unique tie to the Twentynine Palms Marine Base.
"I was born at that base," laughed Katie. "I lived at the Twentynine Palms base for the first year of my life."
With her mom in the Navy and Dad in the Marine Corps, Katie moved around a lot as a child having called California, Virginia, Massachusetts and now Pennsylvania her home.
"Having a baby shower for these families makes me feel proud that I am able to be of some aid to the families of those who make brave sacrifices for our country every day," said Katie. "As I have a desire to serve in the military, it has made me even more passionate about pursuing my dream to be a part of something bigger than myself and to contribute to serving the community."
Over the summer, Riley and Katie sent the items that were collected to base in Southern California.
"For me, having a baby shower is special because it is amazing to show our appreciation for everything service members and their families do for our country, even if it is something as simple as a baby shower," said Riley. "It is comforting to know I can help families in the same position my brother was in because I know it is not always easy to be in a place as isolated as the Twentynine Palms Base is."
The young ladies will kick-off the Third Annual Operation Marine Baby Shower in April with a donation drive for needed baby items including diapers, baby wipes, lotion, and onesies. This year, they are planning to incorporate the efforts of Lancaster Catholic's service clubs, Varsity Club and Youth Club.
"This baby shower, along with my involvement in Varsity Club, has had a great impact on my life by allowing me to recognize how important serving both active duty service members and veterans is to me," said Riley. "I will continue to find service organizations with this purpose for the rest of my life."
Ryan is now retired from the Marines and lives in Oberlin, Ohio with his wife and now three children.
The photos are from the Second Annual Operation Marine Baby Shower that was held over the summer.