For 24 years, Todd Smith of Auburn has served in the Illinois Army National Guard. He served in duty in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. He is currently raising his kids with wife, Dawn, and doing whatever is possible to make ends meet and be able to secure a good education for them. US lottery

If you believe that good people are rewarded then you are reading the right article, because this Master Sargent just happened to buy a Little Lotto ticket on October 8th and took home a total of $250,000.

When the Smiths learned that they were the sole winners of this drawing there was a lot of commotion and the whole family spent two sleepless nights before they got the actual confirmation that they were the winners and were neither making it up or deluding themselves. After all you can´t get excited over something if you are not really sure about it, can you? They were so eager and uncertain about their win that they actually drove up to Road Ranger gas station in Springfield, where they purchased the ticket and had a clerk confirm that they were the ultimate winners of this drawing. Dawn could not help it, tears of joy flowed and their children were confused since they didn´t know what was happening. Dawn, later returned to the store to give the clerk who confirmed their winning a tip of $100. Lottery results

The ceremonial check was handed to the Smiths by their check was the Lottery’s Finance Director, Gerry Mahr, who also serves as Chief Master Sgt and Air Operations Manager for the Illinois Air National Guard. “It’s an honor to present this check to an outstanding solider and deserving winner,” said Mahr, who has served 26 years in the Air National Guard.

Smith has described that this win is maybe a gift of endurance for the whole family. What he experienced while he was in Iraq was very difficult and the whole family was affected in many ways. He believes this is a reward for the endurance the family had to stick together although the separation was painful and difficult.

Todd and Dawn have already decided what to do with their money, among their priorities are: to pay off pending debts (including Dawn´s student loan) and to provide college funds for their three children. An older son older son from Todd’s previous marriage and other family members will also benefit from this win. “It will be a good Christmas for the kids and family members,” said Todd.

Good things do happen to good people and there is nothing more up-lifting than to learn that they are rewarded and that their burdens can now be laid down with a little help from lady luck disguised as Little Lotto.