Wounded Iraq Veteran Dancing With the Stars

Ex-Fort Campbell soldier takes lead on 'Dancing With the Stars'
Written by
Philip Grey and Alane S. Megna
Gannett Tennessee

J.R. Martinez danced a Viennese Waltz with Karina Smirnoff Monday night on Dancing with the Stars. / Craig Sjodin / ABC

J.R. Martinez, an Iraq war veteran and former Fort Campbell soldier who spent 34 months in the hospital after being severely burned in combat, had already become a motivational speaker and soap opera star. Now he can add another feather to his cap: High scorer on Dancing With The Stars.

Martinez and his professional partner Karina Smirnoff tied for the top score during the season premiere Monday night, with judge Carrie Ann Inaba, on the verge of tears, saying “I was absolutely touched by your performance.”

Martinez, who required skin grafts and reconstructive surgery after being burned over 40 percent of his body, points to one moment as a “life-changer” — when medical personnel asked him to talk to another soldier who was badly disfigured and unable to cope.
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