Actor J.R. Martinez, who was burned over 40 percent of his body while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq, was named the grand marshal of the 2012 Tournament of Roses parade Tuesday.
Martinez, who appeared in the daytime soap "All My Children,'' is a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars.''
"To be able to participate in this iconic American tradition on New Year's Day is something I could only imagine,'' Martinez, 28, said. "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.''
Martinez, a Louisiana native, enlisted in the Army in 2002 and was deployed to Iraq the following year. About one month after his deployment, the Humvee he was driving struck a landmine. He was trapped in the vehicle and suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns.
Martinez spent nearly three years recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and underwent 33 surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery.
According to Martinez, a nurse asked him while he was recovering to speak to a fellow burn patient, and that experience led him to become a motivational speaker.
In October 2008, Martinez was cast to play combat veteran Brot Monroe on "All My Children.''
"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.''
The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game will be held Jan. 2.
Follow USA LOCAL NEWS for the latest LA news, events and entertainment: Twitter: @USA LOCAL NEWS // Facebook: USA LOCAL NEWS
No comments:
Post a Comment