Saluting the Champ: Dancing With the Stars Winner J.R. Martinez Invited to Pentagon

Top TV hoofer and war vet asked to Washington, D.C., for V.I.P meet-and-greet with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta

By Sierra Marquina Nov 27, 2011 1:57 AMTags
J.R. Martinez, Karina Smirnof, Dancing with the StarsABC/ADAM TAYLOR

First comes the mirror-ball trophy, then come the Pentagon perks?!

Dancing With the Stars champ and war veteran J.R. Martinez received an invitation from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Friday, who asked the decorated serviceman to visit the Pentagon and meet Panetta in person.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Panetta's respect for J.R. was displayed in a congratulatory note, which read: "Your strength and spirit captivated the nation, and your victory sends a strong message about the strength and resilience of our wounded warriors."

The Defense Secretary then personally called J.R. to invite him to meet in person. Exact details of the congratulatory trip are still in the works, but it's said the Season 13 champ will address thousands of active and retired troops while he's in the Washington D.C. area.

Along with his journey to the Pentagon, JR has been tapped as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Rose Parade and will also cohost the pre-show of CNN's Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.

Here's to J.R.!

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