J.R. Martinez Set as Keynote Speaker for TAMUC Mental Health Matters Week

The Counseling Center at A&M-Commerce will host American actor, motivational speaker and former U.S. Army soldier, Jose Rene (J.R.) Martinez, as a guest speaker on Nov. 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Ferguson Social Sciences Auditorium.

In 2003, just one year after joining the Army, Martinez was in Iraq driving a Humvee filled with explosives when the vehicle hit a roadside bomb. The other three inhabitants of the vehicle were ejected, with Martinez trapped inside fearing for his life.

He is now author of the New York Times best-selling book, “Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit,” a memoir about how he took his own personal tragedy and turned it into inspiration for others.

As keynote speaker for Mental Health Matters Week, Martinez will present, “Illuminating the Journey from Trauma to Hope.” The event is open to everyone, with the first 300 students receiving a copy of Martinez's book.

Learn more about J.R. Martinez at his website.