Omnibus Speaker Series: J.R. Martinez

“Facing Adversity with Optimism and Resilience”

J.R. Martinez is an actor, best-selling author, motivational speaker, advocate, and wounded U.S. Army veteran. Born in Louisiana and raised by a single mother from El Salvador, he had early dreams of playing in the NFL. Instead, he joined the Army after high school and was deployed to Iraq in March 2003 with the 101st Airborne Division. The following month, his Humvee hit a roadside bomb in Karbala, trapping him inside the burning vehicle. Martinez survived with smoke inhalation and severe burns to 34 percent of his body.

His story is unique, but his message is universal: your path in life is decided by your own ability to adapt and overcome.

Learn more at pfw.edu/omnibus