One of my favorite parts of being a military spouse is having the opportunity to get all dressed up for Dining Outs, Military Balls, and other formal events. 

I remember the first time my husband (then boyfriend) invited me to a Dining Out. I had no idea what to expect. The Dining Out was being held at Penn State. My husband was invited by a friend who was teaching ROTC. Since we had both attended, and met at the university, my husband thought it might be fun to attend. 

We spent the majority of the two and half hour car ride from my house to State College talking about proper protocol and attire for Dining Outs. The number of “rules” was a little intimidating at first. I spent most of that first Dining Out in awe of everything going on around me. It was my first real look into being a military spouse. It was the first time I really had the opportunity to talk to other spouses, and for the first time I really saw how they were all like a big family. 

The second Dining Out was after we were married, and even though it was only my second time attending a formal affair, it felt like home. I was confident on what to do, and not to do, and knew if I screwed up it wouldn’t be me headed to the grog, it would be my dear husband. 

Now, I have a closet full of formal dresses, and I jump at any opportunity to get all dressed up with my husband. Not just because I enjoy seeing my husband in his fancy uniform, but because it is important to continue with traditions. 

It doesn’t matter how many formal events I attend, the Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony will always bring a tear to my eye. Every time I hear someone explain the meaning of the table I can’t help but think about the friends that that table is set for. And every time I find myself fearing that table will one day be set for my husband. It is amazing how one table and one ceremony can have such an emotional effect.