Peterson employee wins $1 million

Published Aug. 6, 2009
By Thea Skinner
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The odds were in Jenny Thomas's favor Wednesday at the contracting squadron as she was presented with a $1 million check from the Colorado Lottery.

"For you all wondering, I am not retiring," she said. "I am still going to be the same crabby person I always am - nothing changes."

As a procurement technician with the 21st Contracting Squadron, Mrs. Thomas handles payroll. She will now oversee $1 million in addition.

"I always manage my husband's money," she said.

Mrs. Thomas won the highest level prize of the Colorado Millionaire second chance drawing. By entering losing tickets at the lottery's Web site, Mrs. Thomas received a second chance winning the money.

"I think it is exciting," said Lt. Col. Curtis Jordan, 21st Contracting Squadron commander. "I can't think of a finer person to receive this money."

Mrs. Thomas and the squadron were waiting in the office's conference room under the impression that a meeting was occurring, when a handful of colorful balloons and a huge cardboard check were walked into the room.

"It was a surprise. I thought - it isn't Thursday ... We don't have a meeting," she said.
After being notified, she immediately called her husband. With two children and three grandchildren, Mrs. Thomas plans to invest the money in her mother's home and pay for her mother's ongoing care.

After purchasing the ticket "I told my grandson - 'your grandma's gonna win this,'" she said. "I am going back to Georgia, fixing my mom's home up, and will find some care for her."

Her mother had her leg amputated earlier this year.

Since 2001 Mrs. Thomas purchased about 1,700 lottery tickets, mainly at a gas station on Templeton Gap - Mrs. Thomas plans to tip the gas station attendant.

Squadron co-workers walked around the office reacting to the big news.

"Wow! There could not have been a better person," said Kristy Heikkila, 21st CONS contract specialist. She makes sure everyone gets what they need."

Mrs. Thomas began working at Peterson Air Force Base in 1989 and at the squadron in 1995.

Mrs. Thomas took the afternoon off from work to accomplish her present moment mission - redeem the winning ticket - and return home to watch a poker tournament, a Wednesday ritual, but assured her office, she would be in her chair the next morning, ready to work.

Big winner