California Assemblyman Tom Lackey visited Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms on March 1, 2025, to honor Elijah Goolsby, the first baby born at the hospital in 2025. Elijah, born at 1:35 p.m. on January 2, 2025, to Staff Sgt. Tyson Goolsby and his wife, Nicole, was also the second baby born in the High Desert region this year.
The special ceremony, attended by hospital staff, district leaders, and military service members, included the presentation of a certificate and a teddy bear for Elijah. “This is a special occasion for the Goolsby family and our entire community,” said Assemblyman Lackey. “Recognizing the first baby born at the hospital each year is a meaningful tradition, and I’m honored to share this moment with such a wonderful military family.”
Among those present were Capt. Mark Miller, Chief Nursing Officer; Lt. Cmdr. Jasette Fong, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist; Lt. j.g. Aaron Gacad, Multi-Service-Unit Nurse; and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Aeris Jensen. Asher Goolsby, Elijah’s older brother, also received a toy from Lackey. Col. Atiim Phillips and Sgt. Maj. Shonor Burton, leaders from the Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School, attended to show support for Staff Sgt. Goolsby.
The Goolsby family was also presented with a “First Baby of 2025” gift basket from the hospital’s Women’s Health team and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, which included baby essentials. Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms delivered 259 babies in 2024 and continues to provide vital care for military families.
“It is an honor to support the health and readiness of our service members and their families,” said Capt. Miller. “Celebrating milestones like Elijah’s birth reflects our commitment to serving the military community.”
The recognition of Elijah’s birth emphasizes the strong support for military families and the important role of Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms in their well-being.
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