Hero Report: J.R. Martinez

J.R. Martinez of Dalton, Georgia enlisted in the United States Army in September of 2002 and underwent Basic Training and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia where he learned skills as an 11-B Infantryman. His unit received deployment orders to Iraq and arrives in February of 2003.

On April 5, 2003, J.R. was the driver of military vehicle with three other soldiers in the city of Kabala. Martinez, who was serving in Iraq with the elite 101st Airborne, drove his Humvee over a land mine and was severely wounded. The vehicle was thrown into the air approximately 20 feet, ejecting the other three soldiers, and leaving Martinez engulfed in flames inside the vehicle.

The next thing Martinez remembers was being out on the ground, his sergeant cradling him in his arms, the skin on his face, arms and hands melting away. Then he passed out. He was transported to Kuwait, then to Germany and finally to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. When he woke up three weeks later, his mother was at his side. He had spent a good part of the three weeks in surgery. Parts of his ears were removed because they were so badly burned. His internal organs had been severely damaged when he inhaled the heat and smoke while trying to stay alive inside the burning Humvee. But, he was alive.

Martinez was battered, but he refused to be beaten. Even though he has undergone more than 30 surgeries, Martinez has an incredibly optimistic outlook on life. He is committed to supporting and assisting wounded soldiers and their families with their transition from military service to civilian life. He has dedicated his life to getting the message out that these men and women need help. He travels to hospital wards, telling his story, to comfort, inspire and encourage others in need.

The View Video - J.R. Martinez appears on ABC's The View