J.R. Martinez Wins Unsung Hero Award

Just because he won ABC's Dancing with the Stars two weeks ago doesn't mean injured Iraq war veteran J.R. Martinez can't put on his dancing shoes to help other disabled vets.

Martinez, 28, was guest of honor at Lois Pope's the Lady in Red Ball at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club Friday night in Palm Beach, where he was presented with the Unsung Hero Award for "overcoming devastating injuries to make a full life for himself and in so doing bring the plight of America's three million living disabled veterans into our country's consciousness."

The Mirror Ball Trophy winner was asked to donate a dance to the person who pledged $25,000 to benefit the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial that Pope, the widow of the founder of the National Enquirer, is financing on 2.4 acres in Washington, D.C.

A donor, who pledged the money for the memorial, deferred to Pope, who enjoyed her dance with Martinez.

"I am so thrilled to meet his charming man," Pope tells PEOPLE. "I voted for him on Dancing with the Stars and asked all my friends to do the same. I am honored and inspired to be in his presence."

Martinez, who took time to talk to everyone at the gala, returned her compliment.

"I am honored to be here, because Lois Pope's mission to build this Memorial in Washington is so awesome for someone like me to see," Martinez tells PEOPLE, referring to the burn he suffered in a 2003 landmine explosion in Iraq and the 33 surgeries that helped him come alive again.

Saluting the Champ: Dancing With the Stars Winner J.R. Martinez Invited to Pentagon

First comes the mirror-ball trophy, then come the Pentagon perks?!

Dancing With the Stars champ and war veteran J.R. Martinez received an invitation from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Friday, who asked the decorated serviceman to visit the Pentagon and meet Panetta in person.

RELATED: Dancing with the Stars' J.R. Martinez Picked for Grand Marshal of Tournament of Roses Parade 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Panetta's respect for J.R. was displayed in a congratulatory note, which read: "Your strength and spirit captivated the nation, and your victory sends a strong message about the strength and resilience of our wounded warriors."

The Defense Secretary then personally called J.R. to invite him to meet in person. Exact details of the congratulatory trip are still in the works, but it's said the Season 13 champ will address thousands of active and retired troops while he's in the Washington D.C. area.

Along with his journey to the Pentagon, JR has been tapped as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Rose Parade and will also cohost the pre-show of CNN's Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.