DALTON, Ga. - He came to Georgia partially to honor one woman on Jan. 7, his mother Maria Zavala, but J.R. Martinez ended up showing what a true gentleman he is when he agreed to a last minute interview and a photo op with a couple of other Georgia girls.
The "Dancing With the Stars" Season 13 winner and Iraq War veteran had just spent a couple of hours participating in a downtown Dalton, Ga parade created in his honor--the "J.R. Martinez Day: A Welcome Home Celebration," when he next climbed up on the stage at the North Georgia Trade and Convention Center for hours of activities.
But it was his last goodwill effort of the day that made the biggest impression on one Georgia girl, who found that despite a 7-hour day of greeting fans and posing for photos, J.R. Martinez couldn't turn anyone away.
"I didn't have to fly to Dalton this morning, or deal with the death of a friend, like he did, but I know how tired I was as 8 p.m. neared, and I was given the opportunity to sit and talk with J.R. Martinez today," Constance Morris said.
"So I can't even imagine how exhausted he must have been physically and emotionally by the time that my friend Debbie Duvall and I brought up the rear of the line. But he was the epitome of graciousness anyway."
Most folks would expect nothing less from the man who battled his way back from burn scarring that impacted his body and face to the extent Martinez's did. But, nevertheless, despite the day's busy schedule and the recent loss of a friend, the "DWTS" contestant pushed on and even sat down for some spur-of-the-moment interview questions with Radell Smith's assistant as well.
Q: What is one "to do" item still at the top of your list in life?
Martinez: To write a book, which I'm working on right now.
Q: Who do you thank most for your life as it is now?
Martinez: My mother, God and everyone that has helped me thus far in my life.
Speaking of mothers, J.R. Martinez gave a glowing tribute to his mother during the opening comments of his speech in Dalton on Jan. 7, and it isn't likely she or her fellow Daltonians will forget it anytime soon.
References: J.R. Martinez Interview, Constance Morris
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