JR Martinez, A Veteran Of The Iraq War And "Dancing With The Stars" Contestant Named Rose Parade Grand Marshal
JR Martinez, "Dancing With the Stars" competition, "All My Children" star and veteran soap opera days of the war in Iraq with serious burns when his Humvee hit a mine, was elected Tuesday to lead the Tournament of Roses Pasadena 123A.
It also toss the coin before the start of the 98th Rose Bowl in honor of all wounded soldiers.Tournament of Roses Association, said Martinez was a perfect fit, "Imagine ..." is the theme parade to celebrate the power of imagination, inspiration and determination to encourage people to go further and try again.
"To participate in the tradition of the icon of the Americas this year is something I could not imagine," Martinez said in a statement. "I believe that everything happens for a reason and I am grateful for the events of my life m have the opportunity to share a message of hope and the possibility of new year." The football game and parade held on January 2, instead of New Year, which falls on a Sunday.
The association has never-the-sun rule.Tournament President Rick Martinez said Jackson is an inspiration for his courage and dedication to helping all Americans are facing challenges. "His vision of life is admirable and could not be happier to have the opportunity to celebrate the New Year with him and entertain millions of fans around the world during the parade and Rose Bowl Rose", which Jackson said.
Martinez joined the Army in 2002 and was deployed to Iraq in March 2003 as an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. Less than a month later he was driving a Humvee in Karbala, when he hit a mine.Martinez were trapped inside the burning vehicle and military suffered burns over 40 percent of his body.He then became a motivational speaker and in 2008 was chosen as a battle veteran Brot Monroe on the ABC drama continues: "All of my children, which has since been canceled.
In addition to the light will be on ABC-TV's "Dancing With the Stars" Martinez is working with the charity Operation Finally Home, Phoenix Society, the USO, Iraq Star and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.