Eight years after surviving an explosion as a teenage soldier in Iraq, Army corporal J.R. Martinez can't stop smiling as he captures the hearts of millions on Dancing With The Stars.

Although his extensive facial scars are a reminder of the near-death bombing in 2003, he long ago learned how to handle those who are taken aback by his appearance.

He breaks the ice with a heavy dose of his infectious smile and optimistic personality.

"Within 30 seconds of meeting him" says his girlfriend Diana Gonzalez-Jones, "people fall in love."

WATCH the interview below with JR on ELLEN… or READ the story in Star Pulse