Television viewers may recognize Martinez as the winner of season 13 of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" this fall and for his recurring role on the recently cancelled ABC soap opera "All My Children." Television viewers worldwide also saw Martinez serve as the grand marshal of the 123rd Annual Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 2.

But Martinez's rise to fame came at a great physical and emotional cost. As a U.S. Army infantrymen, a Humvee he was driving was hit by an IED in Karbala, Iraq on April 5, 2003. Martinez was trapped inside the burning vehicle and suffered smoke inhalation as well as burns to more than 40 percent of his body.

While recuperating, a nurse asked Martinez to speak with another burn patient, who had become withdrawn after viewing his own body for the first time. After his 45-minute visit with the patient, Martinez said he realized his new calling in life.

Martinez spent a total of 34 months in recovery and underwent 33 different surgeries including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery.

"I discovered it is what is inside a person that matters most and I wouldn’t change anything…absolutely anything!" he adds. "I do believe everything happens for a reason, and I'm extremely grateful for that day because it led me into this life!"

Martinez has presented with the likes of Tony Robbins and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The New York Times and PEOPLE magazine. He has also appeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes, The View, CNN, FOX News, Good Morning America, and Univision. Martinez has also spoken to large corporations, veterans groups, non-profit organizations and schools.

Martinez will speak to STN EXPO attendees on July 23. The title of his presentation is "Accelerate Your Success into 3-D: Desire, Dedication & Discipline." The theme of the 2012 STN EXPO is "The Great Opportunity" as attendees will learn innovations and new ways of thinking to help the industry survive through the current economic downturn.