Corporal Kelsey DeSantis, the only female combat instructor at the Marine Corps Base Quantico, was escorted by singer/actor Justin Timberlake to The Basic School Instructor Battalion 236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia on Nov. 12.
DeSantis posted a YouTube video over the summer in 2011 in which she invited Timberlake to the ball. Timberlake responded to DeSantis and escorted her to the ball.
“I knew I would have an evening that I wouldn’t forget... Something I could tell my friends about. What I didn’t know was how moved I would be by the whole experience,” wrote Timberlake on his website.
DeSantis also wrote on her blog, “I am so thankful to Justin Timberlake for accompanying me to the Ball and for his incredible post describing the events of the night. The experience he had is more than I could have ever hoped for, and I am truly humbled by the appreciation and respect that he has shown for the Marine Corps.”
Timberlake wrote, “We moved to the ballroom where the dinner was set up... For a short while, I had the opportunity to sit with Kelsey, get to know her, and get a tiny glimpse into what her life as a Marine was like. She talked about her training in mixed martial arts with a passion, a discipline, and a respect. It reminded me of how I hear my favorite athletes talk about their sport or, how I hear my favorites among my peers in music and film talk about their craft.”
DeSantis further wrote on her blog, “When Justin and I arrived at the Convention Center, we spent some time at a cocktail reception before heading into the ballroom. As the first ones in there we were able to sit and talk; and once the crowd began streaming in several people came up to meet J.T. and I, shake hands, and take some pictures—and he did it all without hesitation and with a huge smile on his face…”
“To all of you that serve every day for us... Ensuring our freedom, I say: My deepest gratitude to you. I’ve met so many of my heroes... From Michael Jordan to Michael Jackson. And, nothing makes me feel more honor and pride than when I get to meet one of you. Last night changed my life and I will never forget it,” wrote Timberlake.
DeSantis has been trained in martial arts and ground fighting, among other skills. She will be discharged from the Marine Corps at the end of the month, and plans for a fighting career, she wrote on her blog.
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