A former Soldier & Burn Survivor "J.R. Martinez" "Dancing With The Stars"

ROCKFORD, Mich. — Brien Dews of Rockford hopes people will be inspired by more than killer moves when the “Dancing with the Stars” season premiere kicks off tonight.

One of the celebrity dancers — J.R. Martinez — a former soldier, burn survivor and actor on “All My Children,” is lacing up his dance shoes for a shot at winning the title with partner Karina Smirnoff.

For Dews, Martinez’s dancing debut is showcasing how burn survivors keep living despite their life-changing injuries.

“That is what J.R. is showing, especially being such a public forum,” Dews said.

Martinez was burned on more than 40 percent of his body when his Humvee hit a land mine when he served in Iraq in 2003. The injuries left him with scars on his face and the loss of his left ear.