Iraq War Vet is Grand Marshal of Tournament of Roses Parade for 2012

Jose Rene “JR” Martinez, an Iraqi war veteran born in Shreveport, Louisiana, actor, motivational speaker, currently a contestant of Dancing with the Stars and winner of the Spirit of Hope Award, was hailed as the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade for 2012 in Pasadena.

Martinez served in an army infantry unit in Iraq and suffered severe burns in various parts of his face and body in 2003.

After recovering from his injuries, the combat veteran travelled around the U.S. to speak about his harrowing experiences to veterans’ associations, schools and private corporations.

He was presented with the Spirit of Hope Award by the Circle of Care Foundation on Thursday.

The award was specifically created to pay tribute to individuals who have been afflicted with serious burns and inspire other people with their deeds.

Linda David, one of the foundation’s officials described Martinez as a “true motivator who used his injury to help and give advice to other people.”

A report from ABC TV quoted Martinez as saying “After I was injured and my life was almost taken, I made a pact to make the most and the best out of the second chance I was given in life and what I want to do is help everybody make the most out of the first chance that they got because who knows if they’ll get a second chance like I was able to get.”

Martinez played for the Dalton High School football team before suffering from an injury which dashed his hopes of playing professional football.

Previous Grand Marshals were distinguished personalities composed of actors, astronauts, artists, writers and politicians. Last year’s marshal was Paula Deen, a celebrity chef and artist from Albany, Georgia.