Madigan Army Medical Center greets first baby of 2026

Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord reported the first baby of 2026, a boy named Hunter, born at 12:17 a.m. on New Year's Day. The hospital noted the birth as a joyful start to the year and referenced its long history serving service members and families.

Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord welcomed its first baby of 2026 just after midnight on New Year's Day. At 12:17 a.m., a newborn boy named Hunter was born to first-time parents in the Madigan Labor and Delivery unit. Staff described the arrival as a warm and life-affirming start to the year for the hospital and the local community. Madigan is one of the largest military hospitals on the U.S. West Coast and was originally designated Fort Lewis General Hospital before being named Madigan General Hospital in 1944. Known details: - The newborn, named Hunter, was born at 12:17 a.m. on January 1, 2026, and is reported as the hospital's first baby of the year. - The parents are described as first-time parents and delivered at Madigan's Labor and Delivery unit. - Madigan Army Medical Center is located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. - The facility traces its origins to Fort Lewis General Hospital and was named Madigan General Hospital in 1944. - The tradition of marking the "Baby New Year" has ancient roots, often noted as a symbol of rebirth dating back to Greece around 600 B.C. Summary: The birth was presented as a shared moment of joy for staff, patients and the wider Joint Base Lewis-McChord community and was noted as a positive start to 2026. Undetermined at this time.