Wednesday, November 23, 2011

J.R. MARTINEZ GOES FROM DANCING WITH THE STARS CHAMP TO ROSE PARADE GRAND MARSHALL

JR Martinez at Disneyland
Image via Wikipedia
 By Randy Economy
On Line Editor
Los Cerritos Community News
www.loscerritosnews.net

PASADENA, Calif.  –

This has been a magical year for J.R. Martinez.  Last night the retired solider won the Mirror Ball as the latest champion of "Dancing With the Stars," and now he can look forward to a special ride down Colorado Boulevard as the Grand Marshall of the 2012 Pasadena Tournament of Roses.
What a thrill and what an inspiration to kick off the new year by celebrating the successes and accomplishments of Martinez who has inspired me to continue to reach higher and try harder in my daily life.

I would love to interview JR Martinez for Los Cerritos Community News.  As a matter of fact, I am going to call the media department at the Tournament of Roses to see if I can get 10 minutes of "chat" time with J.R.

The theme of the 2012 Rose Parade is "Just Imagine…" and I cannot imagine what is going through the mind of Mr. Martinez during these past couple of weeks.  It has been a whirlwind of wonderment, and he has become one of the most loved and most admired American's for 2011.


As Grand Marshal, J.R. Martinez will ride in the 123rd Rose Parade presented by Honda in front of a worldwide television audience, and toss the coin before the 98th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO on Jan. 2, 2012.

“J.R. Martinez is an inspiration to us all and a natural fit for our theme Just Imagine…,” said Rick Jackson, president of the Tournament of Roses. “J.R. is not only a courageous and engaging role model for us all but has dedicated himself to helping not only servicemen and servicewomen, but all Americans facing challenges. His outlook on life is admirable and we couldn’t be happier to have the chance to celebrate the New Year with him as we entertain the millions of fans around the world during the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.” Amen to that, President Jackson.  Amen to that!

In September 2002, Martinez underwent Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Ga., where he gained skills as an 11-B Infantryman. After reporting to Fort Campbell, Ky. in January 2003, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

J.R. Martinez was deployed to Iraq in March 2003, and on Apr. 5, 2003, less than a month into his deployment, he was serving as a driver of a Humvee in Karbala when his left front tire hit a land-mine. Three other soldiers with Martinez were ejected from the burning vehicle, but Martinez was trapped inside. He suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to  40 percent of his body. Martinez spent 34 months in recovery at BAMC and underwent 33 different surgeries including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery.
During his time in recovery, a nurse asked Martinez to speak to a burn patient who had become withdrawn after seeing his body for the first time post-injury.  After Martinez’ 45-minute visit, the patient began to open up.  Seeing the impact a simple visit had on this patient, Martinez decided to use his experience to help others, visiting with several of the patients in the hospital, sharing his story and listening to theirs.  Since then, Martinez has become a highly sought-after motivational speaker, traveling the country to spread his message of resilience and optimism.

“When I was first asked to be Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses festivities by President Jackson, I was speechless,” said Martinez.  “To be able to participate in this iconic American tradition on New Year’s Day is something I could only imagine.  I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m grateful the events of my life have provided me with the opportunity to share my message of hope and possibility on New Year’s Day.”

In October 2008, Martinez stepped into another role, when he was cast as combat veteran Brot Monroe on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning daytime drama “All My Children.” Today, Martinez also balances his schedule with his speaking engagements, along with his extensive charity work with Operation Finally Home, Phoenix Society, USO, Iraq Star and IAVA to name a few.

I would love to see his dance partner Karina Smirnoff and other members of the DWTS cast at the Parade to cheer him on....Trust me, on New Years Day, I plan to be one of the millions on Colorado Boulevard to be celebrating the wonderment of a new year front and center.
 Thanks JR....
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