Marine Staff Sgt. Lexus Martinez shared her excitement and slight nervousness about dancing with Vice President JD Vance at the Commander in Chief Ball, describing it as a truly unforgettable experience. In a recent interview on "Fox & Friends," the 27-year-old Martinez recounted the memorable moment.
"It was definitely nerve-wracking," Martinez admitted. "Seeing everyone there helped calm my nerves, and the Vice President's demeanor put me at ease." She recalled a humorous exchange backstage where she and Vance joked about stepping on each other's feet during the dance.
Selected from numerous applicants, Martinez expressed her family's astonishment and joy upon learning of her participation in the prestigious event. "They were incredibly excited and couldn't believe I had been chosen," she shared. "Everyone tuned in and spread the word about my experience."
Attendees gather for the Commander in Chief Ball celebrating President Trump's inauguration in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Daniel Cole)
A shared background in the Marine Corps provided a connection between Martinez and Vance during their dance. Vance, the first Marine to hold the office of Vice President, served as a combat correspondent from 2003 to 2007, including a tour in Iraq. He later pursued his education at Ohio State University.
The Commander in Chief Ball, a time-honored tradition during inaugurations, pays tribute to military personnel. President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Second Lady Usha Vance also joined service members on the dance floor. Expressing his gratitude, President Trump addressed the attendees, stating, "Serving as your commander in chief, not once, but twice, has been the greatest honor of my life."
President Trump attends the Commander in Chief Ball in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Daniel Cole)
The President also acknowledged the establishment of the Space Force during his initial term, emphasizing its importance to the military. Martinez reflected on the dance, describing the experience as surreal and profoundly moving. Expressing her pride in being a Marine, she stated, "It's an honor to be one of the few and the proud."
