J.R. Martinez is an Army veteran and burn survivor turned inspirational speaker and author. While deployed in Iraq in the wake of 9/11, J.R.’s humvee hit a roadside bomb, ejecting the other troops and trapping him inside the burning vehicle. In those horrifying moments, this resilient warrior thought of his immigrant mother who taught him what it means to use difficult situations as opportunities. J.R. awoke in the burn unit at a hospital in Texas where he would undergo many painful surgeries and begin the long road to recovery. Growing up with a single mother who did not know English and had no more than a third grade education, J.R. struggled through school, bullying and the challenges of poverty. His dream was to play football in the NFL, but life had other plans for him. Instead of playing football, he enlisted in the Army after graduation because he wanted to serve his country. Even at a young age, J.R. felt immense gratitude for everything that was available to him in the United States. Those early years of persevering through difficulties were preparing him to blaze his own path in the future instead of allowing tragedy to overwhelm him. Now he travels the country sharing his inspiring story and encouraging others that success begins with an unwavering mindset. Believing we have the power to face adversity and use it to fuel our dreams is the biggest legacy J.R. is passing on to his family and his audience. Main Topics
Childhood with a single, immigrant mother (01:15)
How instability prepared J.R. for change (03:15)
J.R.’s combat trauma in Iraq (07:10)
Affirmations for resiliency (12:40)
J.R.’s most valuable legacy is family (14:25)
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