At IHG® Army Hotels, serving those who serve has never been just about providing a place to stay. It’s about being there in life’s moments, both big and small, and ensuring military families always feel part of a community that cares.
That’s why our team was honored to join Centinel and Operation Shower in Oak Grove, Kentucky, for a special event that reflects what we stand for: care, connection, and community.
On July 29, nearly 40 expectant military mothers gathered at the Valor Hall Conference and Event Center near Fort Campbell for a group baby shower hosted by Centinel in partnership with Operation Shower. These remarkable women— active-duty service members and spouses of deployed service members, came together to celebrate new beginnings, share experiences, and feel supported by the military community.
This celebration was important for military mothers, because being in or connected to service often comes with additional challenges. Many are far from extended family or support systems, some face deployment during pregnancy, and others balance the demands of active-duty service while preparing for motherhood.
A few of our hotel colleagues were on hand to volunteer and spread our own brand of True Hospitality. IHG Army Hotels on Fort Campbell General Manager Ariel Cherenfant, alongside some of her team members, were compelled to help out our friends from Centinel. A very special cause indeed as Ariel benefitted from something similar in the past, as an expectant mother.
“This is such an amazing event for the military community,” said Ariel. “Back when my husband was in the military, I attended a similar event when I was pregnant with my son. It helped our family tremendously as we were preparing for the arrival of our baby. I am honored to be able to give back and support expecting moms!”
Operation Shower was created to help meet these challenges. Since 2007, the nonprofit has honored more than 9,600 military moms across every branch of service through joyful baby showers. Each mother received a signature “shower in a box” which provides essentials for new babies—diapers, clothing, bottles, toys, blankets, and more—generously donated by partner companies including Centinel Community Fund, Banz, Diaper Genie, Angelcare, Skip Hop, Selah James, Tullabee, and Nemah.
As LeAnn Morrissey, Founder and Chief Shower Officer of Operation Shower, said:
“Whether they are serving on the front lines or doing everything at home that enables their loved ones to proudly serve our country, these remarkable women deserve our love, our gratitude and an opportunity to celebrate this wonderful milestone together.”
Her words reflect a truth we hold close at IHG Army Hotels. Hospitality begins with heart, and that means putting people first, always.
As the boxes were opened, the room was filled with both excitement and connection. Personal stories were shared, and new friends were made over talking about the universal joys and challenges of preparing for a new baby. Operation Shower provided a reminder that they are surrounded by a caring community that understands their journey.
Events like this are possible because of strong, lasting partnerships. Centinel, one of the nation’s leaders in military housing and community development, has supported Operation Shower for more than 14 years. Through its nonprofit arm, the Centinel Community Fund, Centinel has donated over $350,000 to Operation Shower and helped host more than a dozen showers honoring more than 500 military mothers and families.
"At Centinel, and through our partnership with IHG Army Hotels, our mission extends far beyond providing a place to stay,” said Matthew Garrett, Executive Vice President, Centinel. “We are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of service members and their families, whether they are within our hotels or out in the community. Through the Centinel Community Fund and other partnerships, we invest in programs and initiatives that support well-being, strengthen connections, and honor the dedication of those who serve."
At IHG Army Hotels, we are proud to stand alongside organizations like Centinel and Operation Shower that share our belief in supporting military families beyond our hotels.
To the moms-to-be near Fort Campbell, we extend our warmest congratulations. Your strength, resilience, and sacrifice inspire us, and we are grateful to celebrate this milestone with you.
Charles “Chuck” Sourbeer is Vice President of Operations for IHG® Army Hotels. He has been with IHG® since 1994 and part of the IHG® Army Hotels estate since its inception in 2009.
(c) 2025 IHG Hotels & Resorts. All rights reserved. IHG Army Hotels properties are independently owned by Rest Easy LLC, a Centinel Public Partnerships company, and operated by an affiliate of IHG. No DoD, US Army or federal government endorsement implied. For information on Centinel, visit CentinelUS.com.