WASHINGTON — The first worldwide Jody Conference has been a "rousing success," according to several organizers and participants from the event.

Initially conceived as a joke by a civilian outside Fort Carson, the idea gained traction on social media and eventually snowballed into the inaugural International JodyCon, held at Trump International Hotel in the nation's capital.

"I never thought things would get this far," said Joran Dillinger, who goes by "Jody" for short, as he sipped wine before the convention. "And yet here I am, hosting a get-together for other spouse-chasers from all over the world."

Hundreds of Jodies and military spouses from around the globe — including yours — flocked to the District of Columbia under the guise of "going out with friends." The gender-neutrality of the name "Jody" has only helped strengthen the ruse.