J.R. Martinez wins 'Dancing With the Stars'

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Iraq War veteran and actor J.R. Martinez and his professional dance partner Karina Smirnoff were crowned the winners of "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles.

The pair beat out reality TV personality Robert Kardashian and Cheryl Burke, and actress and talk-show host Ricki Lake and Derek Hough for the honor on Tuesday night's season finale.

"Oh, man! First and foremost, I want to thank everybody who voted for us for the last 10 weeks. Thank you, America, for believing in us," Martinez said upon hearing he and his partner won the competition.

Turning to Smirnoff, he added: "You are amazing and I'm so grateful that I was able to be a part of your first mirror ball trophy. Thank you very much."