Families in the halls of Fort Stewart's Club Stewart were abuzz while waiting for the kickoff of the 6th Annual Winn Army Community Hospital's Baby Expo Aug. 20.

After months of organization, initial planning review meetings, and media promotional events, and countless volunteers, everyone was in place and ready to help moms and dads maneuver through the maze of information being offered.

One booth new to the expo was the Better Opportunities for Single Parents, whose mission it is to educate, equip and empower single parents with resources, and practical assistance.

BOSP President, Sgt. 1st Class Dione Boyd, USA-Medical Department Activity said although the program is new to the Army, it is necessary in order to give a voice to single parent Soldiers.

"I want people to know that we are here," Boyd said. "We are here to support. We are here to be that voice ... I wish they would have had a program like this when I initially entered into the military, because I have been pretty much a single parent my entire career and I am getting ready to hit 18 years. So, I know the struggles … and I need the single parents to know that they are not alone. They are us that are in the senior ranks that are single parents and we let them know that we made it and we can help you get there as well."

In addition to BOSP, this year the baby expo touted 50 vendors to help serve the more than 628 Families, plus many children. Stations such as Family nutrition, prenatal care and planning, baby supplies, and child development offered information to new and experienced parents.

First-time parents Sgt. Jason Morgan, 1/9 Field Artillery-Division Artillery, and his wife Annita said they are both eager to meet their daughter in December.

"I am pretty excited and that is like one of my life's goals to become a father," said Morgan. "I think I am a very positive father figure, and I just want to show my expertise and teach someone something that I have learned … so I am pretty excited about this."

Morgan came in first place during the second round of the Baby Olympics, which was run by the Fort Stewart Army Community Service New Parent Support team. During the timed event, the first two fathers to finish changing a diaper and swaddling a baby doll won the grand prizes.

Annita said by coming to the baby expo she learned her husband knows how to change diapers, and she said she is motivated by the thought of being a new mom.

"I am a little nervous and excited at the same time," Annita said. "[I am] nervous knowing I am going to be responsible for a life, for another human being. I am excited because I get to pretty much groom someone, someone that can be a good member of society."

Winn ACH Commander, Col. Christopher Warner said one reason why Winn continues to host the Baby Expo is to educate new parents as well as those new to the area.

"Our goal with Winn Army Community Hospital is not only to take care of you when you're sick," Warner said, "but help you stay healthy for the continuum of your life, so that you don't need to see your doctor as often. Part of that is helping you understand and be educated about good choices you can make about what are the healthy alternatives."

Expo coordinator, Capt. Megan Jensen said she hopes participants walk away having a good time and with some resources and education that they did not have before as well as with great give-a ways and prizes."

Warner said the Baby Expo is one way MEDDAC-Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield strives to promote a system of health, not just a system of healthcare.

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