Marcus Hahnemann was one of those granted Presidential approval prior to heading for the World Cup in South Africa.
The Wolves keeper was among the USA squad which visited the White House prior to departing for the tournament, which has made the summer a pretty memorable experience irrespective of the competition itself.
"We met President Obama, Bill Clinton and Vice President Biden at the White House," says Hahnemann.
"We were kind of hanging around the White House and the reception rooms and looking about at all the history as well as being given a mini-tour.
"We were getting ready to go and then Vice-President Biden came out and said: "do you guys want to see my office?"
"The bus was waiting for us but it was like, 'o-k, let's go and have a look'.
"Then we're going into the inner workings of the White House and you walk past the Oval Office and the door is closed so you know Obama is meeting with someone.
"And there are other rooms around there and then we just hung out.
"It was kind of incredible seeing all that.
"I've always had a bit of an interest in politics.
"I probably don't keep track as much as I should but it's something where in our family we go one way or the other.
"My family is predominantly Republican and Amanda's is predominantly Democrat so there's always banter between the guys.
"So you kind of have to stay up on it otherwise you can't banter with people and if you can flip a few issues in your favour than it's always better.
"Then after we beat Algeria Bill Clinton came into the dressing room - having a couple of non alcoholic drinks was him was really good!"
The tournament itself provided mixed memories for Hahnemann.
Just like Germany in 2006, he found himself as cover for Tim Howard, and didn't manage to enjoy any pitch time as the Everton gloveman stayed fit and put in some consistent performances.
But the Wolves man was still able to enjoy the experience of the tournament, despite the disappointment of not getting on.
"It was a great atmosphere as it always is at a World Cup and it's important to get a chance to take it all in.
"On the football side our goal was to get out of the group which we did.
"But then the excitement of getting out of the group was overshadowed by losing to Ghana which was disappointing and frustrating.
"All the games are tough but we'd avoided Germany and you'd have to say it was an easier game for us but we couldn't quite put it together.
"And I think we ran out of steam a little bit having chased so much during the group stages.
"The games were pretty quick and it does take a lot out of you and we just didn't have enough.
"We all knew Tim Howard was number one choice but it looked like I might get on during the England game.
"I was warming up and I was ready but he was able to carry on.
"That's probably the part I look back on most now.
"I was so close to coming on and could have played a few games which would have been great but Tim did well."
Hahnemann had joked before departing for South Africa that England didn't need to worry about the competition - that once USA had beaten them they would still be able to qualify for the last 16 in second place.
Well America didn't quite manage the first part due to the 1-1 draw but they did the second, condemning England to a second stage shootout with Germany by virtue of nudging them out of top spot.
"It was good to finish above England in the group," says Hahnemann.
"The main thing that did was stop all the banter coming my way.
"I hate losing more than I enjoy winning.
"So it's good that no one will be able to give me stick all season long.
"And of course I never wind people up too much!"
The unique Hahnemann personality has been back at the Compton training ground this week as the keeper returned after three weeks break following USA's exit.
He admits it will take time to regain the much-needed sharpness, and initially he wasn't expected to make this weekend's trip to Belgium for tonight's friendly with Charleroi.
But a back strain suffered by Wayne Hennessey in training means Hahnemann was on yesterday's flight, albeit with the priority of acting as cover to Carl Ikeme.
"Three weeks time off is never enough - I could have done with six months!" he quips.
"I did a bit of fishing but could have done with more!
"But now I'm back and travelling to Belgium.
"I wasn't initially going to go so I'm not sure if I'm down to play any part.
"You just have to be careful with things like kicking that you don't have any problems when you've only just come back.
"But I'm feeling good.
"The first couple of days were a bit sluggish but by the end of the week I was feeling a lot better although tired!"
After tonight's assignment there follows another of particular interest to Hahnemann and one or two other Wolves personnel with Tuesday's friendly at Reading.
