Independence Celebration

Last night the base hosted an Independence Celebration. There were a couple live concerts so you KNOW Brian wanted to go. As we were walking around I heard the MC and thought "He has a Great Public speaking voice". We finally decided to get some corndogs and get settled in front of the stage. All the while the MC carried on, wonderfully.

As we sat in front of the stage I realized that the MC had pretty extensive scarring and wondered if it was from a burn. At one point later in the show the MC said "I can say for ALL the other actors in "All my Children" that we are thankful for those who serve our country and keep us safe. Then he started signing autographs. I knew there had to be an amazing story behind this man, and I knew I could find out his name.

We enjoyed a concert from Stephan Cochran. Though we are not country music fans, we really did enjoy his music! And his Bass player was something else!! He shared his story and it was pretty amazing. He was in the Marines and served one tour in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. During his second tour he was injured and his back was broken from L1-L6. His diagnosis, GRIM, he would never walk again. Two years later he signed his first record deal. I promise you, he was on stage DANCING last night! No signs that he had ever broke his back. I love it when God is bigger then a Medical Diagnosis.

When we got home I was eager to find out who the MC was. I knew the story behind him was amazing!! JR Martinez was serving in Iraq and in April of 2004 the Humvee he was driving hit a landmine. He suffered burns over 40% of his body. He spent 34 months in the hospital and has endured 32 operations.

As for that great Public Speaking voice, yes he does use it. He is the National Spokesman for Coalition to Salute American Heros. With all that this man has endured, he is still out in the public eye to open awareness for the Injured Veterans who don't have a voice. JR is also an Actor on All My Children.

This is his quote form his website... "While JR's experience is certainly life changing, amazingly he claims a change for the better. He discovered it is what is inside a person that matters most and he devotes himself to showing other the true value of making the most of every situation." I hope that each of us can learn this lesson.

As I crawled in bed last night I became very aware that these two men who have sacrificed so much for our nation, for this I am thankful. But then they gave up their time and talent to provide a boost of confidence for our troops, for this I am very thankful!