JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - A ready and resilient fighting force starts with a strong support system, and sometimes the best way to build that is by taking time off work to break out the grill.

For military families, a party referred to as the Iron Luau, hosted by 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, July 2 was the perfect chance to build family bonds over grilled meat and cold drinks.

"As a family, I actually got to get off work a little earlier, and we got to spend time with each other and make friends," said Sgt. Nathan Proctor, a Redding, Calif., native with 2-1 Inf., of the event. "My wife gets to meet all the people who have my back and who I hang out with at work."

>>> U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Miguel Kirstien, an infantry squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, loads up his plate during the Iron Luau on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 2, 2013. The Iron Luau, hosted by the unit's family readiness group, was a chance for military families to spend time together. Photo credit: Sgt. James Bunn, 17th Public Affairs Detachment

The unit's family readiness group hosted the Iron Luau as a chance for military families to come together and build stronger relationships.

"It gets people together and it builds bonds so you can rely on each other," said Spc. Scott Hughes, a native of Fortuna, Calif., with 2-1 Inf.

In the often-stressful environment of the military where units regularly spend extended periods training in the field, parties like this are a way to relax.

Bethanie Proctor, a military spouse, said that when her husband deployed, she relied on the unit's family readiness group and events like the Iron Luau because they helped her meet other military spouses.

The event also gave leaders an opportunity to show gratitude to families for the support they provide the unit and its soldiers. .

"You as family represent all that is great in our nation, and I want to thank you for doing what you do," said Lt. Col. Michael Trotter, commander of 2-1 Inf., to the gathered crowd. "Thank you for being here and thanks for what you're doing."