Retired Army Soldier and Actor J.R. Martinez to Speak at Victory Theater November 2nd

Evansville-based, Uncharted International, is bringing retired U.S. Army Soldier and actor, J.R. Martinez, to the Victory Theater to share his inspirational story on Thursday, November 2nd.

Martinez was badly wounded in Iraq in March of 2003 when the Humvee he was driving hit a roadside bomb. Trapped inside the wreckage, Martinez suffered burns to 34 percent of his body that required a nearly three year hospital stay and 34 various surgeries.

The injuries took a toll on him mentally. He told People magazine in November 2011 that soon after the events that unfolded in Iraq, he battled with anger and depression, telling himself he "didn't want to live" anymore.

However, after speaking with other wounded soldiers in the hospital, many of which suffered injuries far worse than his, Martinez had an epiphany. He realized he had a gift for speaking, using his own experience and feelings to inspire others who feel their lives were all but over. After deciding to become a motivational speaker, he made several appearances on various daytime talk shows and news magazine programs before turning to acting with a three-year role on All My Children as wounded war veteran trying to adjust to life back home. A role a friend encouraged him to audition for.

That role led to an appearance on ABCs Dancing with the Stars where he and his partner became the champions of season 13.

He continues to act, most recently appearing in the CW series SAF3 from 2013 - 2014.

His appearance at Victory Theater is put together by Uncharted International, a global non-profit dedicated to the creation of churches and aiding those in need around the world.

The program is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on November 2nd. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.com.

For more information on the mission of Uncharted International, visit their official website.