Courtesy photo: Valton Doss, shown far right, is one of an elite group of ceremonial guards commissioned to protect the president and special guests of the White House during state dinners and ceremonies. Doss was on guard during the most recent visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha, shown above with President Obama and his wife Michelle. Doss is a 2011 graduate of Elmore City-Pernell High School.

By Lindsey Temple
News Star Reporter

When Denise Martin opened the MSNBC web page for her daily news she was not expecting to be greeted with a picture of her son, dressed in uniform, standing stern faced three feet from President Obama during the White House state dinner honoring British Prime Minister and his wife, David and Samantha Cameron.

“I just started shouting, that’s my son, that’s my son,” laughed Martin, “I’m so proud of him.”

“I’ve carried the picture around with me since Wednesday,” smiled Martin as she pointed down at the face of her son in a large framed picture she had in her hands.

Valton Doss, 19, from Elmore City always had dreams of a life of military service.

Coming from a very large family where military service is common, Doss’s chosen profession while common within the family is anything but ordinary.

Doss is a ceremonial guard for the U.S. Navy and is based out of Washington D.C.

Doss graduated from Elmore City-Pernell in 2011. After graduation he quickly joined the U.S. Navy.

According to his mother, while in boot camp Doss tested very high in tests qualifying him to preside over ceremonies like the one held at the White House last week.

“It’s a little surreal to see your son in pictures at presidential functions,” said Martin.

Doss has been presiding over White House functions, military funerals and Pentagon functions since September of last year.

Doss’s parents include, Denise Martin and Val and Jerri Doss of Elmore City.