J.R. Martinez becomes hero on the dancefloor

theGRIO REPORT - The Iraq war vet, J.R. Martinez, wins season 13 of ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars'...

Nov 23, 2011

J.R. Martinez clearly has all the right moves.

The war hero took home the coveted mirror ball trophy last night on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

The 28-year-old ballroom champion who is of African and Central American descent, has an incredible backstory, and has shared it with viewers throughout his time on Dancing with the Stars.

In 2003, Martinez sustained severe burns to more than 40 percents of his body while in Iraq, serving as an infantryman with the U.S. Army.

During his time in recovery Martinez was inspired to become a motivational speaker. He often delivers speeches to large corporations, veterans groups, schools and non-profit organizations.

In 2008 the war veteran was cast in ABC’s soap opera All My Children, in the role of Brot Monroe. Martinez’s character was also injured during combat while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq.

Throughout Season 13 of Dancing with the Stars, Martinez warmed America’s hearts with his talent, determination, charm, enthusiasm and smooth dance moves.

Martinez often tells the story of how his mother helped him re-learn to walk eight weeks after being injured in Iraq.

After winning the dancing competition Martinez said the scene was “all screaming and yelling…. I kept feeling someone tugging on my suspenders. It was my 4-foot-11 mom. I just kissed her and hugged her. I said, ‘Can you believe that 8 1/2 years ago you were teaching me how to walk?’ ”

Martinez shares his championship win with his professional dancing partner, Karina Smirnoff.

WATCH J.R. MARTINEZ CELEBRATE HIS WIN ON ‘DANCING WITH THE STARS’
[youtubevid http://youtube.com/watch?v=m2Y7j_w04DM]