A World War II veteran receiving the birthday present of a lifetime when he won $300,000 in the Michigan Lottery.
Ervin Smolinski's daughter-in-law bought the winning ticket and gave it to the 94-year-old on his birthday. He said getting the ticket is part of an inside joke with his family.
"Every month, I buy some instant tickets and send them as gifts to family members who have birthdays that month," Smolinski reportedly said. "It's turned into a bit of a tradition, and now everyone sends me scratch offs and chocolate for my birthday."
The South Branch veteran said he had four Double Bonus Cashword tickets and the big winner was the first one he scratched off.
"I've seen a lot in my life, and I don't get worked up easily. I think my son-in-law was more worked up than I was," Smoliski said of his reaction to the winner.
The 94-year-old said winning the $300,000 won't change much of his lifestyle.
"I'm pretty frugal, I always shop sales and take care of my money and that won't change," he said. "The only thing that will change is I won't have as much stress in my life worrying about money."
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He is a tough ol' bird. Congrats and thanks for your service.
Oh wow WTG VET!!! Happy spending $$$$
That's Wonderful! Congratulations!
Few things warm my heart more than seeing a vet win the lottery. And you gotta love that cane.
I wonder if he was a Marine? Oh well the cane is trick out with an eagle's head. You go vet!!!!
94 years old and Ervin Smolinski is heading for the Century mark. With his Fighting Eagles cane. Congratulations for a life well lived.
I'm so thrilled for 1 of our lifelong U.S.A.vets to win. He is right. Less stress is right when you're having extra funds in life$$$
Serving in the military myself for 7 years as well as both of my older brothers this is wonderful to see. I am just so happy for him.
What a nice win for himself, & his loved ones to enjoy while he is blessed also to be here a long time with his loving family, congrats!
Congratulations on the nice win. Thanks for your service to our Country!
Congrats!!!
Congratulations on his birthday!
Yes congrats...hits hits jackpot for all hard work for our counrty..may most high keep blessing him..
Congrats! Nice win, and Thank You for your service.
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Now, this is one winner, I'm truly very happy about.
If understanding the story correctly, that the daughter gave it
to her 94y-o Dad, who served in WWII, who'll likely divide it up
among the kids, anyway.
Again, I would have done it differently, but the old guy reminds me
so much of my own Dad, now gone.
Blessings to the whole family.
Another deserving winner!
Love the money quote...Money does indeed serve us well. But to many of us choose to serve Money! Including myself.
The Greatest Generation!
Well deserved. Yeah, his cane is something else.Saw some in Africa and boy the workmanship on those things are mightily impressive.Congrats Sir!
Agreed Todd!
Money has its ways s5. I guard and navigate mine,but try to enjoy it a bit. It's only money after all, LOL.
That's true Rman, thanks for reading!
Good to see a WWII Veteran winning a jackpot.
There are so few WWII veterans still with us.
WTG.....
RL