The former talk-show host enlisted in the Marines and graduated from the U.S Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He spent a year in Guam as a cryptologic officer for naval intelligence and did a stint at the National Security Agency. (Sebastian Scheiner / Associated Press)
While serving as an Army infantryman in Iraq in 2003, Martinez saw his humvee hit a landmine, resulting in burns to 40% of his body. He went on to be cast on “All My Children,” and become a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars” and a motivational speaker. (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)
A U.S. Marine captain in the Vietnam War, the soldier parlayed his combat expertise into the role of military advisor on award-winning projects as “Platoon,” “Band of Brothers” and “Saving Private Ryan.” In addition to acting roles, most recently on TNT’s “Falling Skies,” he also is a writer he just penned the graphic novel “Code Word: Geronimo,” based on the capture of Osama bin Laden. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
