Naval Staff Sergeant Lexus Martinez described her experience dancing with Vice President JD Vance at the Supreme Commander’s Ball as a “once in a lifetime” moment, filled with excitement and a little nervousness.
“It was very nerve-wracking,” Martinez, 27, said during an interview with “Fox and friends” Friday. “Seeing everything made me feel a little better. And he just made me better.”
Martinez recalled how Vance eased her nerves backstage with a light-hearted joke.
“I was so nervous; I stayed very far away from him, so I didn’t step on his feet,” she said. “That’s exactly what he said backstage: ‘I hope you don’t step on my feet,’ and I said, ‘Well, I hope you teach me to dance.’
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Martinez was chosen from among hundreds of applicants for the honor. Her family was stunned to learn that she would be participating in the prestigious event.
“Everybody just didn’t think I would have a chance,” she said. “Everyone was very excited. Everyone was involved, talking to everyone, sharing with everyone how I was doing.”
People gather at the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball in honor of the inauguration of US President Donald Trump in Washington, USA on January 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Daniel Cole)
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During the dance, Martinez and Vance became close because of their joint service in the Marines.
Vance, the first vice president who served as a Marine, was a combat correspondent from 2003 to 2007, including a tour in Iraq, before transitioning to civilian life and attending Ohio State University.
The Commander-in-Chief Balla traditional part of the inauguration ceremony, honoring military service members. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance also danced with members of the military during the event.
Trump addressed the crowd with gratitude, saying “I have had no greater privilege in my life than to serve as your commander in chief, not once but twice.”
He thanked members of the military for their contributions, noting their role in helping him return to the White House.
U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Commander-in-Chief’s Inaugural Ball in Washington, U.S., on January 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Daniel Cole)
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The president also highlighted the creation Space force during his first term, calling him a significant addition to the military.
Looking back on the dance, Martinez said the moment was surreal and deeply meaningful.
“I am very proud [to be a Marine] because not a lot of people can,” she said. “I’m very excited to know that I’m one of the few and proud to be a United States Marine.”
