How Did Dancings J.R. Martinez Woo His Ladylove?

First Published: November 11, 2011 2:32 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption J.R. Martinez celebrates Veterans Day at Access Hollywood Live on November 11, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Dancing with the Stars frontrunner J.R. Martinez stopped by Access Hollywood Live on Friday where the beloved actor celebrated Veterans Day with Billy Bush and Kit Hoover, and dished on how his All My Children role landed him not only a steady paycheck, but a lovely lady as well. I first met her in 2008 when I joined All My Children, J.R. told Billy and Kit, of girlfriend Diana Gonzalez-Jones, who was the assistant to the soaps executive producer at the time. We were friends, and, you know, it was a workplace, so you dont want to cross the line. I was respectful of that, and for about two years we were great friends. Finally, something happened, something clicked, and I just said, [Do] you ever look at me differently than just a friend? he continued, with a shy smile. And she kind of paid attention to it, and here we are! Its great. Though the relationship was slow to blossom, J.R. is glad he and Diana who can be frequently seen in the Dancing audience proudly supporting her man built their romance on a time-tested foundation. I think we did it a great way to have a friendship first, and then build on that, he said. As for J.Rs plans after Dancing, the eternally optimistic man to beat plans to use his newfound fame to continue his mission of helping bring awareness to the troops. I want to write a book. I want to tell people the story outside of Iraq, he told Billy and Kit. And I want to continue acting its something I really love to do. But I want to use every platform that I get no matter how big it is or how small it may be to raise awareness for all of the men and women that are serving overseas, those [who are] retired, the family members, the wounded troops that are trying to find a way to fit into the world outside of the military. Adding, If I can raise awareness, and I can be an inspiration to them and say, OK, you can find something to do outside the uniform, but at the same time inspire American to step up, and give them basic ideas of what they can do to say, Thank you thats my job. In honor of Veterans Day, the Iraq War veteran who has been named Grand Marshal of the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade offered ideas for simple ways to make a soldiers day, and let the armed forces know they are thought of and appreciated. Write little thank you cards [and] send them to the troops, he said, emphasizing that even the smallest gesture speaks volumes to those isolated from friends and family while serving. Find ways to raise a little money, buy a DVD thats an escape. Music that kind of stuff. For more with J.R., tune in to Extreme Makeover: Home Editions Veterans Day special, Rise and Honor Friday at 8 PM on ABC, and watch J.R. and professional partner Karina Smirnoff tear it up on the Dancing with the Stars semi-finals on Monday at 8 PM on ABC. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.