Jose Rene (JR) Martinez

Hometown:  Dalton, GA

Marital Status:  Single

Branch of Service:  U.S. Army

Profile:  JR is a 2008 graduate of the EBV program at Florida State University.   

JR is a veteran of the U.S. Army and was deployed to Iraq in February 2003. In April of 2003, JR was serving as a driver of a Humvee when the vehicle’s left front tire hit a landmine. He suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body, as well as smoke inhalation. JR was evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany for immediate care and was eventually transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX to begin his road to recovery.  J.R. spent 34 months in the hospital, undergoing 32 different surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery.

As part of his personal recovery, JR took the initiative to speak to other injured veterans while he was hospitalized, and after a long and difficult recovery, he spent his time traveling the country extensively, speaking to veterans and other groups about his combat experience and recovery.  He was passionate about sharing his inspirational story and realized that he had the opportunity to turn that ‘role’ into a business for himself as a spokesman and motivational speaker.  JR became his own entrepreneurial venture.

That ‘venture’ has been remarkably successful. Today J.R. speaks to many diverse audiences across the U.S.  In November of 2008, JR was cast in ABC's Emmy Award-winning daytime drama All My Children in the role of Brot Monroe – a role that he continues still today. His character on All My Children also served in the U.S. Army in Iraq and was injured in combat. In addition to acting, JR has made appearances on Oprah, Good Morning America, and 60 Minutes. He has been featured in PEOPLE Magazine, US Weekly, and The Washington Post.  JR has spoken as the opening act for renowned motivational speakers Tony Robins and Dave Roever, and he has delivered the keynote address at events for REMAX, BB & T, and hundreds of schools and veterans organizations across the country.