on Martinez, something he plans to share in his July 23 keynote speech sponsored by Blue Bird Corporation and Cummins. “[Bus drivers’] role and their job are important. It’s not just
driving a bunch of kids to school. Tey have an opportunity to have an impact on a child’s life,” Martinez said.
FROM NFL DREAMS TO STARDOM Like his bus driver, Martinez also is leaving a lasting impression
on many people — including troops and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as burn survivors from all walks of life. Wounded in Iraq nine years ago during an IED attack that resulted in burns to more than 40 percent of his body, Martinez can easily empathize with both groups. In turn, these folks can see themselves in him and gain the strength and hope to move forward.
Now, he has gained celebrity status because of his contribu-
tions to others and his personal struggle. Born in Shreveport, La., Martinez moved to Hope, Ark., at age nine. Tese are the years in which he has fond memories of riding the school bus. “I rode the bus all the time in Louisiana and Arkansas as a kid.
[Te bus] was a fun place,” he recalled. “You go to school, and sometimes it’s real serious. Te bus is nice because it’s the place where you get the opportunity to see your friends and ride to- gether. And the bus driver allowed us to listen to the radio.” At 17, he moved to Dalton, Ga., where he played football and
helped his team to the Georgia state championship game. By this time, Martinez was driving himself to and from school, but he did ride the school bus during the football season. “It was a different experience riding the bus during these
games. Before the game, you could communicate, but at a low level so everyone could get into game mode,” he said. He dreamed of playing in the NFL, but he suffered an injury
Fast Facts on J.R. Martinez
— Born June 14, 1983 in Shreveport, La. At age nine, he moved to Hope, Ark., the birthplace of President Clinton. Last year, Martinez was a
speaker at the Clinton Global Initiative
University meeting held at the University of California at San Diego. Te initiative aims to engage college students to take action on global challenges from a local level. — He had two sisters who were raised in El Salvador with his mother’s family. His sister, Anabel, died as a toddler before he was born. — While trapped in his Humvee after hitting a landmine in Iraq in 2003, Martinez said Anabel appeared before him and gave him the strength to fight for his life. — After the explosion, he spent 34 months in recovery and underwent 33 different surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery. — Now in the process of writing his memoir, Martinez plans to travel extensively this year for speaking engagements. Meanwhile, he and girlfriend Diana are expecting their first baby in May.
his senior year. He switched gears, joined the Army and was de- ployed to Iraq in March 2003. Less than one month later, his life changed in a flash. While the IED explosion ejected the other three soldiers on board the Humvee Martinez was driving, he remained trapped behind the wheel and suffered severe burns before being rescued. What began as a dark, painful and lengthy recovery after
several surgeries and skin grafts ended up being a brand-new life journey. One day, Martinez turned a 45-minute pep talk designed to help a new burn patient cope with his injuries into a life calling. By the time Martinez left the patient’s room, the patient had opened the curtain — to his room and his new life — and Martinez immediately understood the impact he had made. Tat’s when he decided to use his experience to help other people. It started with patients in the hospital and quickly spread to others across the country. Ten came Hollywood. A friend encouraged him to attend an
open casting call for the role of a war veteran in the daytime dra- ma “All My Children.” He won the role of “Brot Monroe,” which was supposed to have a lifespan of three months but turned into a three-year stint. When the soap ended its 41-year run last September, Martinez turned from acting to “Dancing With the Stars” and took home the coveted mirror ball trophy. Martinez ended 2011 on a high note and has kept the ball roll-
ing into 2012. Millions watched as he served as grand marshal of the 123rd Tournament of Roses, and they continue to see him on magazine covers and in television interviews. Coming this July, those who attend the STN EXPO will have a
chance to hear his story firsthand, while he also discusses the im- portant role the yellow school bus plays in the lives of students. “I’m looking forward to the address,” he said. “It’s pretty cool
to be able to speak with this group and share my experience on the bus. Hopefully they take something away from it.” ■
www.stnonline.com 27
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