As the Washington National Guard celebrated the 45th Annual Adjutant General's Militia Ball, hearts and minds were with hundreds of guardsmen battling wildfires across the state.

"In fact, this is the first militia ball that I've ever been to where we still have more than five hundred of our fellow guardsmen in the field tonight, fighting fires and protecting lives and property of our fellow citizens," said Major General Bret Daugherty, commander of the Washington National Guard.

Despite the ongoing state response, the American Lake Conference Center hosted a sold-out crowd, Sept. 12. If 2015 is any proof, this event is one that will continue to grow, while continuously shifting and evolving to better meet the needs of the servicemembers that attend.

A room full of hungry military servicemembers and spouses. Only a portion is shown here of the hundreds that attended this year’s 45th Annual Washington National Guard Adjutant General’s Militia Ball Sept. 12. Along with a tasty buffet selection to feed their hunger, attendees also enjoyed dancing, social hour mingling, special guest speakers, live band performances, a cigar lounge, a scenic view of American Lake, professional portraits with their loved ones and units and more. Photo credit: Gary Lott

"Our intent here was to build on a successful 2014 Militia Ball by having this on a drill weekend, having it at a close by location at the American Lake Conference Center, lowering the ticket prices even more to help get even more junior people in the building," said Daugherty. "I think the committee knocked it out of the park, because I'm having dinner with two fantastic Specialists and looking at a sold-out building."

Among those that attended were guardsmen who had recently returned from fighting wildfires this year and enjoying their first evening out with their supporting spouse since being deployed on State Active Duty.

The scheduled events shifted to someone who knows about deployments and domestic emergencies from both the soldier's perspective, but also from the political side. The Militia Ball's keynote speaker was Representative Brad Klippert, who is better known to this group as Washington National Guard servicemember LTC Klippert with nearly 30 total years of dedicated military service.

"It's hard to imagine that there's anyone in our state with such an impressive resumé of public service," said Daugherty, who introduced Klippert.

Klippert immediately thanked his spouse, who was able to attend the event for the first time.

"This is the first military ball that my wife and I have gone to together in now, this is my 29th year (of service)," said Klippert.  "Kim, thank you for all the holidays I missed, all the anniversaries and all of the birthdays. Thank you for your support during all that time. We appreciate you more than you'll ever know."

His appreciation wasn't just shared for his spouse.

"And thanks to each and every one of you who has supported your warrior, for without you, there is no way that we could do this. We love you and we thank you," Klippert said.

Prime Rib is served to hundreds of Washington National Guard servicemembers and spouses, whom enjoy the American Lake Conference Center’s buffet during the Washington National Guard’s Militia Ball, Sept. 12. Photo credit: Gary Lott

One of the Militia Ball's primary coordinators and planners was SFC Alton Huckaby, Readiness NCO for the 133rd Army Band.  Huckaby recently joined the newly formed nonprofit Militia Ball Committee, who was responsible for the planning that took place since January, putting on the actual event and will plan and prepare all future Militia Balls.

"A lot of people can't imagine the challenges, of the unpredictability of serving in the military," said Huckaby.  "Service doesn't care if you have a softball game that's been scheduled for a while that your kid's attending for the very first time."

A different perspective on the sacrifices that military families constantly undergo can open anyone's eyes to the importance of taking off all the rank and combat badges to just enjoy spending time with loved ones and an extended military family.

"How many kids are starting kindergarten right now, or first grade for the very first time, that have their fathers or mothers missing from because they're in the National Guard and currently serving in State Active Duty to assist with the wildfire?" asked Huckaby. "You never get another first day of school."

With that said, it becomes pretty easy to imagine how intimate moments such as these are so important to not only the spouses, but the so-to-say missing in action (due to their service) servicemembers.

"There's a lot of stresses on the family, so to be able to come into an environment like this, with others experiencing similar situations and an event with the undertone of the military seen in a positive light (comparable to events where they are seeing their spouse off to a deployment for months) is one that is holistically pertinent to our morale and to those that stand by our side," Huckaby added. "If nothing else, it's your one place to be able to relax, talk with anyone, and enjoy yourself in an official military uniform."