J. R. Martinez

It's hard for people sometimes to relate to me. They weren't in the military, they weren't injured overseas in Iraq, they weren't burned, they didn't go through 33 surgeries, or two and a half years in the hospital.

The thing is, a lot of our vets come home and they feel displaced, and they don't feel like their voice matters, so for me to be a spokesman and have that honor to educate America about who we are and what we are, it's like I'm doing my job.

I've learned in my life that it's important to be able to step outside your comfort zone and be challenged with something you're not familiar or accustomed to. That challenge will allow you to see what you can do.

Obviously, I don't like to use my new celebrity status as a way to get first class service at a restaurant. For me, it's just more special to use it for good.

My father left... but I tell my mom - and I told my mom this when I was a kid - I said, 'You know what, Mom? Good thing he left because you're a strong woman.'

Not every kid plays football, basketball. Running can be a source to vent and let things out.

I think I'm a lot funnier and goofier than people were able to see on 'Dancing With the Stars.'

I want to, at the end of the day, be able to say, 'I am a runner.'

I love helping out good people who are doing good things.

I think in life, if you continue to challenge yourself, you can pride yourself in what you continuously accomplish.

In this life, all you need is for someone to believe in you.

I'm going to write a book, continue acting, continue motivational speaking and just share with people who I am and what I've learned in my second chance of life and pass it on to people in their first chance of life.