'DWTS' Champ J.R. Martinez Honored as Unsung Hero
The crowned winner of this season’s “DWTS,” J.R. Martinez, has been honored with the Unsung Hero Award at Lois Pope’s “Lady in Red Ball” Friday.
Martinez attended the ball at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla. The 28-year-old Iraq war veteran was honored for “overcoming devastating injuries to make a full life for himself and in doing so bring the plight of America’s three million living disabled veterans into our country’s consciousness.”
Serving as host of the ball, Pope has also financed the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial on 2.4 acres in Washington, D.C. The widow of the founder of the National Enquirer spoke very highly of Martinez.
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“I am so thrilled to meet this charming man,” said Pope. “I voted for him on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and asked all my friends to do the same. I am honored and inspired by his presence.”
Returning the compliment, Martinez said of the event’s host: “I am honored to be here, because Lois Pope’s mission to build this Memorial in Washington is so awesome e for someone like me to see,” reported People magazine.
In addition to his dancing skills, Martinez also is a motivational speaker, actor, and advocate for fellow war veterans. In 2003, Martinez was severely burned on over 40 percent of his body, while on tour in the U.S. Army. He now travels around the country speaking about his experiences to veteran groups, students, corporations, and many other organizations.
The Mirror Ball Trophy winner was also named the 2012 Rose Parade Grand Marshal.
Martinez has been hailed as a hero, and the U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta addressed a letter to the veteran honoring his accomplishments.
“Over the course of this competition, your spirit captivated the nation and your victory sends a powerful message about the strength and resilience of our wounded warriors,” wrote Panetta, according to the Department of Defense.
In addition to the letter, Martinez received a phone call from Panetta Friday where the Secretary of Defense expressed his high approval, the Department of Defense spokesman Cap. John Kirby said.
Also, Martinez has received an invitation to the Pentagon and a meeting is in the works said Kirby.
Martinez won the coveted “DWTS” championship alongside professional dancer Karina Smirnoff, who served as his partner. People magazine reported that another Pentagon spokesman, Douglas Wilson, said Martinez and Smirnoff’s “DWTS” victory has been “the talk of the troops.”
