Dancing with the Stars winner J.R. Martinez heads celebrity lineup at WAS Honor the Military Day

Dancing with the Stars winner J.R. Martinez heads celebrity lineup at WAS Honor the Military Day

In addition to welcoming the president, The Washington Auto Show (WAS) also took time this year to recognize the many active and retired military in the region for their service with free attendance to the show for them and their families on Honor the Military Day, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. The day presented an unprecedented opportunity for WAS exhibitor OEMs to communicate their car buyer incentives and career programs to military attendees at the show. The day culminated in a special reception and appearance by Iraq war veteran and Dancing with the Stars celebrity, J.R. Martinez. At the same evening event, Martinez appeared with former U.S. Marine drill sergeant and WWE Legend Sergeant Slaughter.

The U.S. Armys Downrange Band played at the reception, which also featured sweets from the ever popular Georgetown Cupcake. The Honor the Military Day evening activities were supported by the USO and the Washington Area Toyota Dealers.

Martinez spoke meaningfully about his military experience and struggles to recover from his war injuries as well as offering advice to those leaving the military on how they might best continue to serve. My new weapons are my words, my new uniform is my scar, which is how I will continue to serve, Martinez said. This is what we all have to think about when we come home to this great country, he said. Both Martinez and Slaughter also work with new recruits and troops on the purpose, duty, and high honor of military service.