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Facing Adversity with Optimism and Resilience
None of us knows what we're capable of until we're faced with a tough or unexpected challenge. Often this means having to adjust your dream or vision and sometimes event to create an entirely new goal. It can also mean getting through a tough time a week, day, hour or even minute at a time. By focusing on shorter term goals and keeping optimism (and even humor) at the forefront, your entire outlook and perspective can be transformed. We are all stronger and more resilient than we think. In facing challenges and recovering from setbacks, we have new opportunities to develop the unique gifts that have been given to us. It's about being able to become more what you can envision at the moment.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, J.R. customizes his speeches for each audience.
Plugging into Your Potential
True potential can only be realized by believing, trusting and not quitting. JR explores the power of goal setting, staying motivated, and developing the perseverance that will get you to your destination. Each fork in the road is a chance to make a decision that will take you either closer or further from your goal. If you choose correctly, there are endless possibilities. And, while keeping focused on your goal is a good thing, you shouldn't do it to the point of 'getting stuck.' JR shows the importance of being open minded to new opportunities and fluid enough to respond to circumstances that, while unexpected, take you further than you ever thought possible.
For Faith Based Groups
J.R. can tailor a talk specifically for faith based groups. His faith helped him through his ordeal and recovery, and he truly believes that God was in his corner. As J.R. says, "God doesn't always put you in it, but having solid faith pulls you through it."
Paying it Forward: The Return is Priceless
All of us have the power to make an impact on a life, either positively or negatively. Our words, our actions are powerful. How we treat others not only affects them, it shapes us. And, frankly, why should we do something for someone else? The payoff is bigger than you can imagine. When you use the unique power and gifts you have inside to help others, not only do you benefit, but the person you help can teach you things about yourself in a positive light.
Respecting Yourself and Others
The best things come when we respect ourselves, and others. While we tend to see ourselves as "normal" we should see others as normal in their own way. In their own skin. Be proud of who you are, and recognize that every single person has worth. Every person has something they bring to the table. JR has spent countless hours listening to people through the stories they tell. People can teach you so much if you just listen-accept them for who they are, flaws and all…and that begins with respecting.
The American Dream Personified
As a Latino-American, J.R.’s story goes beyond his time in the U.S. Army. He is the proud son of a single mother from El Salvador, who came to this country out of desperation and to give her child a future. She soon grew to love this country as much as any citizen. She worked hard, gained her American citizenship, and in doing so, she instilled in J.R. the notion of service: service to family, service to community, and service to country. J.R. truly relates to the millions of first generation Latino-Americans who were born with that inherent drive to serve, and to make their world a better place for the next generation. As a proud American citizen and an example of the American dream, J.R. celebrates what is possible in this great country of ours with hard work and a dream. As a proud American citizen and an example of the American dream, J.R. celebrates what is possible in this great country of ours with hard work and a dream.
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With a message of hope, optimism, and resilience, J.R. Martinez reminds us that gratitude and commitment, despite current circumstances, are the building blocks for a better tomorrow
J.R. MARTINEZ is the wounded U.S. Army veteran who, while deployed to Iraq, hit a roadside bomb and became trapped in his burning vehicle. As a living example of resilience, he reminds us that resilience shows up in the world in many different ways, often without notice or recognition from others. J.R. decided that his story would be used to inspire and uplift people everywhere. With a message of hope, optimism, and resilience, Martinez reminds us that a combination of gratitude for what we have and a commitment to reaching for what we want, despite current circumstances, are the building blocks for a better tomorrow. After hearing him speak, the National Emergency Number Association raved, "He captivated all of us. I came away with renewed spirit. Doesn't get any better than that!" and Lander University said "J.R. was a breath of fresh air to our campus. If you are looking for a speaker with the ability to motivate, captivate and invigorate your campus, look no further than J.R. Martinez." and the United States Air Force, "Your message about overcoming adversity in the toughest of times permeated our hearts and souls that day, and you changed many of their lives forever. I remember that day well as we packed the theatre with about 1100 people and not seeing a dry eye in the house. I'm so very proud of you and for what you continue to do. You are a class act...and I'm thankful our paths have crossed." His New York Times Bestselling book Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit--like his virtual and in-person appearances--grips audiences, takes them on a powerful and vulnerable journey, and leaves them ready to move forward, stepping into their future with grit and determination.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING: J.R. Martinez will make you laugh and leave you energized, helping you realize that you can achieve anything, even during these times, with a positive attitude and determination
At in-person and virtual events, J.R. MARTINEZ’s inspiring story uplifts people everywhere with a message of resilience, optimism, and hope. He is a wounded U.S. Army veteran whose vehicle hit a roadside bomb while deployed to Iraq and became trapped in his burning vehicle. Martinez is not just an American hero but a symbol of hope and optimism. He is an exceptional speaker that will make you laugh and leave you energized, helping you realize that you can achieve anything, even during these times, with a positive attitude and determination.
Martinez’s New York Times Bestselling book Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit--like his speeches-- grips you, takes you on a powerful and vulnerable journey and leaves audiences ready to move forward, putting one foot in front of the other, come what may. Audiences rave, "Your message about overcoming adversity in the toughest of times permeated their hearts and souls that day, and you changed many of their lives forever... You are a class act...and I'm thankful our paths have crossed." (Air Force) "J.R. was a breath of fresh air to our campus. The students were left motivated, inspired and truly touched. After receiving a rousing standing ovation, J.R. was kind enough to take time out to speak to students individually. If you are looking for a speaker with the ability to motivate, captivate and invigorate your campus, look no further than J.R. Martinez." (Lander University)
Martinez also talks about his story in his podcast, Rebirth With J.R. Martinez, where he shares conversations on life, new beginnings and overcoming adversity.
Speaker Spotlight: JR Martinez
Wounded U.S. Army veteran, bestselling author, and motivational speaker J.R. MARTINEZ travels the world spreading his message of resilience and optimism. While deployed to Iraq, J.R. hit a roadside bomb while driving and became trapped in his burning vehicle. He suffered smoke inhalation, severe burns, and had to undergo 34 different surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery, in the years following his injury. During his recovery, after a brief visit with another burn patient, J.R. realized that he'd made a positive impact on this individual and decided to use his own experiences to help others. He continued to visit patients every day, sharing his story and listening to theirs. He learned that inspiration is often a two-way street.
Martinez shared his remarkable life story in his New York Times bestselling book, Full of Heart, which details how he was able to take his personal tragedy and turn it into an inspiration for others, a message he also brings to worldwide organizations. He also talks about his story in his podcast, Rebirth With J.R. Martinez, where he shares conversations on life, new beginnings and overcoming adversity.
From speaking to troops at various bases around the world, to groups such as the Clinton Global Initiative and the Red Cross, to dozens of universities, non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies, Martinez receives rave reviews everywhere he speaks such as: "Your message about overcoming adversity in the toughest of times permeated their hearts and souls that day, and you changed many of their lives forever... You are a class act...and I'm thankful our paths have crossed." (Air Force) His inspiring story is unique, but his message is universal and especially relevant in the wake of Covid-19: your path in life is decided by your own ability to adapt and overcome.
J.R. Martinez is an actor, bestselling author, motivational speaker, advocate, and wounded U.S. Army veteran. He is many things. But perhaps most significantly, he is an inspiration.
J.R.’s career path has been incredible, and perhaps even a bit improbable. Once a high school football player from a small town in Georgia, the only son of a single working mother who emigrated from El Salvador, J.R.’s trajectory is nothing if not surprising. Even to him.
Jose Rene Martinez was born June 14, 1983 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Maria Zavala. His two sisters, Consuelo and Anabel, were raised in El Salvador with his mother’s family. He never met Anabel, who died as a young child. At nine years old, J.R. moved with his mother to Hope, Arkansas, where he lived until he was 18. He then moved to Dalton, Georgia, a place he proudly calls his hometown. J.R. always loved playing football and had aspirations of making it to the NFL.
After high school, he joined the army. J.R. was proud to serve, as a way to give something back to a country that had already given so much to him and to his family. In September of 2002, J.R. underwent Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he gained skills as an 11-B Infantryman. After reporting to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in January of 2003, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.
In March of 2003, J.R. was deployed to Iraq. On April 5, he was driving a Humvee in Karbala when his left front tire hit a roadside bomb. The three other soldiers were ejected from the burning vehicle, but J.R. was trapped inside. He suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to 34 percent of his body. J.R. claims that while he was fighting for his life and awaiting medical help, his sister, Anabel, appeared to him giving him the strength to live.
J.R. was evacuated to a local medic station in Iraq and then on to Landstuhl, Germany, for immediate care. He spent 34 months in recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC/SAMC) in San Antonio, Texas. He has undergone 34 different surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery, in the years since his injury.
During his recovery, a nurse asked him to speak to a burn patient, who had just seen his body for the first time and had become withdrawn. After a brief visit, J.R. realized that he had a positive impact on this patient and decided to use his own experiences to help others. He continued to visit patients every day, sharing his story and listening to theirs. He learned that inspiration is often a two-way street.
Martinez has since become a highly sought-after motivational speaker. He travels the world spreading his message of resilience and optimism. He devotes himself to showing others the true value of making the most of every situation. He has spoken to troops at various bases around the world, as well as to such groups as the Clinton Global Initiative, the Red Cross, and dozens of universities, non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies. His story is unique, but his message is universal: your path in life is decided by your own ability to adapt and overcome.
Many also know J.R. as “Brot Monroe”, a combat veteran who was injured in Iraq and returned home to face the new challenges of reintegrating to civilian life, on the Emmy Award-winning daytime drama, All My Children. In 2008, J.R.’s friend noticed an open casting call from the show, looking for a veteran to join their famed cast, and encouraged J.R. to try out. After several meetings with producers, he was cast, and an actor was born. Due to his runaway popularity, what began as a three-month story arc developed into a three-year role.
After All My Children ran its final season, J.R. went on to surprise and inspire a nation on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Along with partner Karina Smirnoff, he won the coveted mirrorball trophy, and they were named Season 13 champions.
J.R. can currently be seen costarring on the syndicated action series, SAF3 (CW Network), as a Los Angeles County firefighter, paramedic, and veteran USAF pararescue jumper, “Alfonso Rivera”. He also gueststarred on the Season 6 finale of Army Wives.
Martinez has been featured on many shows, such as Oprah, 60 Minutes, Ellen,The View, The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, CBS Nightly News and on CNN, Fox, HLN and Univision. He narrated the CNN documentary series, In America: Vets Wanted? In 2013, he also guest-hosted on The View. He hosted The J.R. Martinez Show on KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles, one of the most popular talk radio stations in the country. He’s also been freatured in The Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, The New York Times, US Veterans Magazine, and was featured on the cover of People Magazine in their annual “Sexiest Man Alive” issue. He was also named one of People's “Most Intriguing People” of 2011.
J.R. Martinez is the author of The New York Times bestselling book, Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit, a memoir about how he was able to take his personal tragedy and turn it into an inspiration for others. He’s also very passionate about dedicating his time to non-profits; he serves as a spokesperson for Operation Finally Home, as well as for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Glasswing International, Free the Children, the Viscardi Center, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA.)
When J.R. does have leisure time, he likes to spend it with his family, friends and his black lab, Romeo.
My Speaker List
