J.R. Martinez Honored

“Dancing With The Stars” champ J.R. Martinez was honored Friday night with the Unsung Hero Award at philanthropist Lois Pope’s Lady in Red Ball in Palm Beach. The Unsung Hero Award saluted Martinez, who was guest of honor at the annual ball, for “overcoming devastating injuries to make a full life for himself and in so doing bring the plight of America’s three million living disabled veterans into our country’s consciousness.” Martinez suffered severe burns over 40% of his body when his U.S. Army vehicle hit a land mine in Iraq in 2003. After a three-year recovery, he began working as a motivational speaker and actor, appearing on “All my Children.” A fan favorite, Martinez and his “DWTS” partner, Karina Smirnoff,” won the competition on November 23rd.