A U.S. Marine veteran won big this week.
Yaheem Jones claimed the winnings from a $1 million scratch-off ticket on Tuesday, the day before Veterans Day, the North Carolina Education Lottery said.
Jones purchased tickets, including a “Red Hot Riches” ticket, and put them in his bag as he left for a trip to Denver. On his way home, he remembered the tickets and decided to check them out.
“I bought the tickets before I left for Denver and just threw them in my book bag,” he said. “I flew all the way to Denver with them and everything, and I didn’t even know I was a winner until a couple of days later.”
When Jones discovered the prize, he said, “I didn’t take my hand out of my pocket. Not one whole time!”
The Marine was given a choice between a lump sum of $600,000 or 20 annual payments of $50,000. He chose the lump sum and, after taxes, was given $424,503.
During his time in the Marine Corps, Jones served as a combat engineer.
