J.R. Martinez obtained a lot more than just a mirror-ball trophy af

ter profitable “Dancing With the Stars.” The Iraq War veteran acquired a mobile phone call and congratulatory letter from Defense Secretary on Friday.Leon Panetta

Panetta credited Martinez’s army training and experience for his ability to get ready and execute in the display. Martinez, 28, and his specialist companion, Karina Smirnoff, beat out fellow finalists Rob Kardashian and Ricki Lake in the finale broadcast.

During the 10-moment mobile phone conversation, Panetta also invited Martinez to the Pentagon. Programs are at the moment in the performs for a future meeting.

Martinez, 28, was significantly burned more than a lot more than 40 percent of his entire body when the Humvee he was driving for the U.S. Army in Iraq struck a land mine in 2003. Right after dozens of functions during a practically 3-year recovery, Martinez became a motivational speaker and in 2008 won a purpose on the now-retired ABC soap opera “All My Children.”

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