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J.R. Martinez

J. R. Martinez
J.R. Martinez.jpg
J. R. Martinez in 2008
Born Jose Rene Martinez
(1983-06-14) June 14, 1983 (age 33)
Shreveport, Louisiana, US
Occupation Actor
Motivational speaker
Soldier (veteran)
Years active 2008–present (acting)
Children Lauryn Anabelle Martinez (b. 2012)
Website http://www.JRMartinez.com/
Military career
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 2002–2003
Rank SPC
Battles/wars Kosovo War
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
Awards Combat Action Ribbon (Needs Review - Awarded by United States Navy - United States Marine Corps - United States Coast Guard)

Jose Rene "J. R." Martinez (born June 14, 1983) is an American actor, motivational speaker and former U.S. Army soldier. Starting in 2008, he played the role of Brot Monroe on the ABC daytime drama All My Children. He is the winner of Season 13 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Martinez served as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Rose Parade. He is currently costarring on the syndicated action series SAF3.

In 2003, Martinez sustained severe burns to over 34 percent of his body while serving as an Army infantryman in Iraq. Since his recovery, he has traveled around the country speaking about his experiences to corporations, veterans groups, schools and other organizations.

Martinez was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Maria Zavala. He has two sisters who were raised with his mother's family in El Salvador. His sister Anabel died before Martinez ever had the chance to meet her. Martinez has never met his father. At a young age, he moved with his mother to Hope, Arkansas. At 17, just prior to his senior year of high school, they moved to Dalton, Georgia.

In September 2002, Martinez enlisted in the Army and underwent Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, where, upon his graduation, was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 11B (Infantryman). After reporting to Fort Campbell in January 2003, he was assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.


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