<p>J.R. Martinez is an actor, best-selling author, motivational speaker, advocate, and wounded U.S. Army veteran. He is many things. But perhaps most significantly, he is an inspiration.</p><p>In March of 2003, J.R. was deployed to Iraq. On April 5, he was driving a Humvee in Karbala when his left front tire hit a roadside bomb. The three other soldiers were ejected from the burning vehicle, but J.R. was trapped inside. He suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to 34 percent of his body. J.R. claims that while he was fighting for his life and awaiting medical help, his sister, Anabel, appeared to him giving him the strength to live.</p><p>J.R. was evacuated to a local medic station in Iraq and then on to Landstuhl, Germany, for immediate care. He spent 34 months in recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC/SAMC) in San Antonio, Texas. He has undergone 34 different surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery, in the years since his injury.</p><p>During his recovery, a nurse asked him to speak to a burn patient, who had just seen his body for the first time and had become withdrawn. After a brief visit, J.R. realized that he had a positive impact on this patient and decided to use his own experiences to help others. He continued to visit patients every day, sharing his story and listening to theirs. He learned that inspiration is often a two-way street.</p><p>Martinez has been featured on many shows, such as<i> Oprah</i>, <i>60 Minutes</i>, <i>Ellen</i>, <i>The View</i>, <i>The Tonight Show</i>, <i>Good Morning America</i>, CBS Nightly News and on CNN, Fox, HLN and Univision. He narrated the CNN documentary series, In <i>America: Vets Wanted</i>? In 2013, he also guest-hosted on <i>The View</i>. He hosted <i>The J.R. Martinez Sho</i>w on KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles, one of the most popular talk radio stations in the country. He’s also been featured in <i>The Los Angeles Times</i>, <i>Washington Post</i>, <i>The New York Times</i> and <i>US Veterans</i> Magazine, and was featured on the cover of <i>People Magazine</i> in their annual “Sexiest Man Alive” issue. He was also named one of <i>People</i>'s “Most Intriguing People” of 2011.</p><p>J.R. Martinez is the author of The New York Times bestselling book, <i>Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit</i>, a memoir about how he was able to take his personal tragedy and turn it into an inspiration for others. He’s also very passionate about dedicating his time to non-profits; he serves as a spokesperson for Operation Finally Home, as well as for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Glasswing International, Free the Children, the Viscardi Center, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA.)</p>
Army Veteran, burn survivor, <em>New York Times</em> best-selling author, and <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> season 13 winner. J.R. travels the world spreading his message of resilience and optimism and does it all with a smile.
<ul><li><strong>Facing Adversity with Optimism and Resilience</strong></li><li>None of us knows what we're capable of until we're faced with a tough or unexpected challenge. Often this means having to adjust our dream or vision and sometimes even to create an entirely new goal. It can also mean getting through a tough time a week, day, hour or even minute at a time. By focusing on shorter term goals and keeping optimism (and even humor) at the forefront, our entire outlook and perspective can be transformed. We are all stronger and more resilient than we think. In facing challenges and recovering from setbacks, we have new opportunities to develop the unique gifts that have been given to us. It's about being able to become more what we can envision at the current moment.</li><li><strong>Plugging into Your Potential</strong></li><li>True potential can only be realized by believing, trusting, and not quitting. J.R. explores the power of goal setting, staying motivated, and developing the perseverance that will get you to your destination. Each fork in the road is a chance to make a decision that will take you either closer or further from your goal. If you choose correctly, there are endless possibilities. And, while keeping focused on your goal is a good thing, you shouldn't do it to the point of 'getting stuck.' J.R. shows the importance of being open-minded to new opportunities and fluid enough to respond to circumstances that, while unexpected, take you further than you ever thought possible.</li><li> <strong>Paying it Forward: The Return is Priceless</strong></li><li>All of us have the power to make an impact on a life, either positively or negatively. Our words, our actions – they are powerful. How we treat others not only affects them, but it shapes us. And frankly, why should we do something for someone else? The payoff is bigger than you can imagine. When you use the unique power and gifts you have inside to help others, not only do you benefit, but the person you help can teach you things about yourself in a positive light.</li><li><strong>The American Dream Personified</strong></li><li>As a Latino-American, J.R.’s story goes beyond his time in the U.S. Army. He is the proud son of a single mother from El Salvador, who came to this country out of desperation and to give her child a future. She soon grew to love the United States as much as any citizen. She worked hard, gained her American citizenship, and in doing so, she instilled in J.R. the notion of service: service to family, service to community, and service to country. J.R. truly relates to the millions of first-generation Latino-Americans who were born with that inherent drive to serve and to make the world a better place for the next generation. As a proud American citizen and an example of the American dream, J.R. celebrates what is possible in this great country of ours with hard work and a dream. </li></ul><p><br></p>