Justin Timberlake applauds a guest speaker, along with date Cpl. Kelsey De Santis, at the Instructor Battalion Marine Corps Ball on November 12, 2011.
Following through with his promise, Justin Timberlake turned one fierce soldier into the belle of the ball this weekend. The singer/actor/fashion designer was “called out” in July via a YouTube video by Cpl. Kelsey De Santis – and her gusto and persuasion was rewarded with some star-power arm candy at Saturday evening’s Marine Corps ball in Richmond, Va.
We can only assume the Marines were starstruck to have a celebrity in their midst. But Timberlake turned the tables: in a blog post on his website Sunday, he wrote that he was proud to be among his heroes at the ball. Timberlake had been enthusiastic about the date since the summer invitation, but looking back, he notes that it was more than just a standard gala.
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In recapping the evening for his curious fans, he called the experience “one of the most moving evenings I’ve ever had.” Dressed suavely in a tux, Timberlake made the event more than just a photo op. He stayed throughout the ball with De Santis, meeting her friends and noting his genuine interest in her Marine Corps experience. It was an event that ranged from laughing to crying, he notes, especially during a reflective video salute to Marines serving around the world.
Timberlake’s humbling reflection deposed celebrity charm in favor of military might. We can’t think of a more appropriate Veterans Day tribute. “To all of you that serve every day for us… Ensuring our freedom, I say: My deepest gratitude to you,” he wrote.
The question remains: will Timberlake’s Friends With Benefits co-star Mila Kunis have an equally moving night? Her ball invitation preceded Justin’s, in fact. Though she’s reported to have a hectic shooting schedule this month, Kunis reportedly still has her calendar blocked off to attend this Friday’s ball in Greenville, N.C. with Sgt. Scott Moore.