Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Congratulates J.R. Martinez On His Dancing Victory!

How would you like to receive praise by the Defense Secretary for winning Dancing With The Stars? That’s just what happened to J.R.! Details below from the Hollywood Reporter as well news on J.R. next projects.

Martinez received a note from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta congratulating him on his win, as reported by The Washington Post.

“Your strength and spirit captivated the nation, and your victory sends a strong message about the strength and resilience of our wounded warriors,” Leon Panetta wrote in his note.

Pentagon spokesman Douglas Wilson told The Washington Post that Panetta would like to personally speak with Martinez.

As a newly crowned Dancing champion, Martinez will keep busy in the coming months. He will co-host the pre-show of CNN’s Heroes: An All-Star Tribute on Dec. 11 and is also taking part in the news network’s CNN Heroes: Where Are They Now? special running this Thursday.

Martinez spoke to The Hollywood Reporter after his win on Tuesday night. He had plenty of praise for his professional partner, Karina Smirnoff. “I’m just so grateful that I was able to be part of the journey to help get her first mirror ball trophy. She deserves it. She should be in the elite category of people who’ve won on this show,” Martinez said.