J.R. Martinez

Jose Rene “J.R.” Martinez was born on June 14, 1983, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He spent his early childhood in Hope, Arkansas, and later moved to Dalton, Georgia. After completing high school, Martinez enlisted in the U.S. Army. In September 2002, he underwent Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, becoming an 11-B Infantryman. In January 2003, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was deployed to Iraq in March 2003. On April 5, 2003, less than a month into his deployment, Martinez sustained severe burns to 34 percent of his body after his Humvee hit a roadside bomb in Karbala. He spent 34 months in recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas, undergoing 33 surgeries including skin grafts and cosmetic procedures.

During his recovery at BAMC, Martinez began supporting fellow burn patients. This experience became a turning point, leading him to utilize his personal story to inspire others. He evolved into a motivational speaker, addressing diverse audiences nationwide, including corporations, veterans groups, non-profits, and schools. In 2008, Martinez was cast in the ABC daytime drama “All My Children” as Brot Monroe, a role which began as a three-month arc and extended to three years due to his popularity. He also authored the New York Times best-selling book “Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit,” published in October 2012 by Hyperion. The book details his journey from tragedy to an inspirational figure. In 2011, he and his dance partner, Karina Smirnoff, won season 13 of ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” Martinez received significant media attention, including being featured on the cover of People Magazine and named one of the magazine’s 25 Most Intriguing People of 2011.

Martinez further expanded his acting career, appearing as a physical therapist in the season finale of Lifetime’s “Army Wives” in 2012. From 2013 to 2014, he costarred as Alfonso Rivera in the nationally syndicated drama series “SAF3.” He also ventured into radio, hosting “The J.R. Martinez Show” on KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles. Throughout his career, Martinez has received awards such as an Ivy Award for his work with burn survivors and disabled veterans, the 2012 National Red Cross Spirit Award, and the 2012 National and California Disabled American Veteran of the Year Awards. He advocates for various organizations, including Operation Finally Home, which builds homes for disabled veterans, and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.