WINONA, Minn. (WSU-UC) - In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Winona State University will present "The American Dream: Inspiring Others Through His Amazing Story of Resilience, Perseverance and Optimism" with JR Martinez on Monday, October 5, 2009 at 7 p.m. in East Hall, Kryzsko Commons. On Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the Auditorium at Southeast Technical College and at 4 p.m. in MH-223 at the Winona State University -  Rochester Campus.

Martinez will discuss the many hardships he faced while growing up in Shreveport, La., and how he overcame those obstacles to enlist in the U.S. Army in September 2002. Martinez was deployed to Iraq in March 2003, and then a month later, the Humvee he was driving hit a landmine.

Martinez suffered burns to more than 40 percent of his body, along with smoke inhalation damage.  He was evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany to receive immediate care and was later taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. His road to recovery involved 32 surgeries.  

Since his recovery, Martinez has inspired the lives of others through his story. He aspires to have a positive impact with his message that every dream can be fulfilled through hard work and perseverance.

Martinez has spoken to more than 450 groups across the country; has appeared on major networks such as ABC, CBS and FOX News; and has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Morning America.

Click on the following link for more information: http://www.wolfmanproductions.com/jrmartinez.html

This event is free and open to the public.

This presentation is co-sponsored by WSU Inclusion and Diversity Office, Southeast Technical College, WSU-Rochester, WSU Foreign Language Department and VOCES club.  

For more information, call Alex Hines 507-457-5595 or e-mail: AHines@winona.edu