As previously reported, All My Children has cast real-life Iraqi War veteran JR Martinez in the role of Brot Monroe, the fellow soldier Lt. Taylor Thompson (Beth Ehlers), fell in love with while both were serving their country in the backstory for the fictional soap.

According to a press release from ABC Daytime, Brot's combat-related injuries, which caused him to allow Taylor to believe he was dead so not to burden her, were determined by Martinez's real life injuries.

In February of 2003, Mr. Martinez was deployed to Iraq and in April, 2003, while serving as a driver of a Humvee, the tire hit a landmine and he suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body."

In addition to his new role on All My Children, Martinez, who spent 34 months in the hospital and underwent 32 surgeries, also serves as national spokesperson for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes. No matter our respective political leanings tonight, I just want to take this time out to say thank you to Mr. Martinez and all the men and women who risk their lives to protect my opportunity to run my big mouth. And here's to hoping we elect a leader tonight who will utilize the tenets of diplomacy to the utmost before putting these brave men and women in harm's way.

All My Children's tornado and The Bold and the Beautiful's Rick-Ridge feud have had crippling results in Pine Valley and L.A. for Taylor Thompson (Beth Ehlers) and Rick Forrester (Kyle Lowder) respectively.  Both have swelling of the spine.  How much will you bet that they are up to their usual soapy shenanigans in a matter of months (if not weeks)?  It reminds me of the time Paige Matheson was paralysed on Knots Landing, only to spend what seemed like a week crying, then a week in physical therapy.  After that, she was back working at the Sumner Corporation and playing naked croquet with Greg.   I have a feeling that's what's going to happen on B&B and AMC, just without the naked croquet.

Gus and Harley er...Jake and Taylor literally run into one another this week on All My Children. For Guiding Light fans this must be at least a little bitter sweet.

To have as popular a couple as Gus and Harley end up on another show is never easy for fans but it provides an opportunity for All My Children to capitalize on Beth Ehlers and Ricky Paull Goldin's popularity and boost the show's ratings. 

If you are a Guiding Light fan will you be tuning in for Beth Ehlers and Ricky Paull Goldin's reunion?