An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : News
JBSA News
NEWS | Jan. 16, 2016

Brooke Army Medical Center welcomes first baby of New Year

Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs

She was due after the holidays, but decided to come early to the party.

A few hours after the ball dropped in Times Square, Evelyn Rose Prochaska made an appearance at 6:24 a.m. on New Year’s Day, marking San Antonio Military Medical Center’s first delivery of 2016 at Fort Sam Houston.

“I was in the middle of pushing when the nurse told me that I was having the hospital’s first born of the year,” said Air Force Capt. Tiffany Prochaska, SAMMC Emergency Department assistant team lead. “I was, of course, a little distracted at the moment.”

Prochaska’s due date wasn’t until Jan. 10, but she and her husband, Richard, an Air Force veteran, decided to have a quiet New Year’s Eve at home.

“We got invited to a bunch of parties, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t be a good idea to go out,” she said. “It was too close to the due date and I wasn’t feeling well.”

Prochaska’s gut feeling paid off when contractions kicked in around 8 p.m. By 10 p.m., the contractions were closer and stronger and Richard insisted they head to the hospital.  A little over eight hours later, Evelyn Rose was born at 9 pounds, 2 ounces and 22 inches.

 Col. Evan Renz, BAMC commander, stopped by for a quick visit and to present the family with a “first baby of the year” gift basket, packed with newborn necessities, donated by the BAMC Auxiliary.

“I was shocked when I saw the basket,” Prochaska said. “It was huge and filled with helpful gifts. It was a really nice thing to do for us.”

The new mom said she was impressed with the care. “Everyone was great,” she said. “I knew a lot of the people taking care of me which took a lot of the anxiety away. I’m thrilled to work and receive care here.”