FORT SILL, Okla_The military takes soldiers all over the world, but not all of them get the opportunity to rub elbows with Hollywood's elite and the Commander in Chief himself.
That's exactly what two soldiers from Fort Sill got to do when they were selected to attend the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C.
It was no accident these two men were chosen. Sgt. Spencer Black won the title of Soldier of the Year on Fort Sill and Sgt. Benny R. Stetson also had an outstanding showing.
Sergeants Black and Stetson knew their accolades would get them some recognition, but they never thought it'd take them to one of the biggest parties of the year.
"Not in my lifetime. It never crossed my mind, but when I heard I was pretty ecstatic, " said Sgt. Black.
"I was shocked at first. I was able to tell my wife we were pretty excited and really it was just an honor to be able to go and represent Fort Sill, " continued, Sgt. Stetson.
The two men found out just days before the ball that they were selected to attend. Admittedly, it was a blur at first, but they pulled it together and packed their bags for Washington D.C.
"We were able to see the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial. Those were pretty emotional. It was really an experience to be able to see those, " said Stetson.
After soaking in the history of the country and honoring their fallen brothers and sisters, it was off to the ball.
They didn't get to meet the Commander-in-Chief himself, but they mingled with other distinguished guests.
"I did have the chance to meat Sgt. First Class Petry, the living Medal of Honor Recipient, that was quite an honor there, " said Black.
And they rubbed elbows with the likes of Alicia Keys and Jamie Foxx and even met some of their comrades.
"All the branches were there, it was a good time to mingle with everybody, I got a lot of good time to just hang out and experience what was going on. Mostly what was going through my head was who was playing next because they had a lot of entertainment, " said Black.
As the ball ended and the men returned to post they were left feeling humbled by the experience, proud of all the work they've put in and knowing they're bringing back to Fort Sill memories to last a lifetime.
"You know really I've just tried to do my best in it, just like with everything in my life, and it brought me there and really that was a once in a lifetime experience. I hope further in my life I'm able to do such honorable events again, " said Stetson.
