Cpl. Kelsey De Santis created a national stir last fall when she took to the Internet to ask celebrity Justin Timberlake to her Marine Corps birthday ball in a YouTube video. He said yes, and a friendship was born.

Seven months later, Timberlake returned the favor, asking De Santis to attend the 2012 Spike TV Guy’s Choice Awards event with him last weekend in Los Angeles.

In a phone interview, De Santis said it was surreal rubbing elbows with Adam Sandler, Channing Tatum, Aaron Rogers and other celebrities. She and her boyfriend sat with Timberlake at a table right near the stage.

It’s likely De Santis, who left active duty late last year, will appear on TV tomorrow night when Spike TV airs its coverage of the event. Timberlake won the Entertainer of the Year award, then asked De Santis to stand during his acceptance speech and recognized her.Read more from the MarineTimes here 

Cpl. Kelsey De Santis poses with Justin Timberlake at her unit’s Marine Corps Birthday Ball in November. Photo by MarineTimes