I went to two when DH and I were just dating and he was in the USMC reserves. They were NICE parties! They were at the San Francisco Marriott, and they were quite formal, but yet a real party atmosphere. I was only 18 and 19 when I went, so I enjoyed the party and dressing up scene back then, but I think I would still enjoy it! But, unfortunately, the OR Nat'l Guard does nothing like this- there is the Molly Pitcher dinner at Christmas time, but DH has always been embarrassed to bring me because I guess it's pretty low-brow compared to the USMC Birthday Ball. We will probably go once he's home from Iraq, because I think he will feel more of a commeraderie (SP?) with these guys.