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title: World War Two Veteran Wins $300,000 in the Lottery
description: A World War Two Navy veteran had the 94th birthday of a lifetime when we won $300,000 on a lottery ticket bought for him by his daughter.
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article:published_time: 2017-03-24T17:12:53.000Z
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# World War Two Veteran Just Won $300,000 in the Lottery on His 94th Birthday

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by 

[Kate Samuelson](https://time.com/author/kate-samuelson/)


## Kate Samuelson


Mar 24, 2017 5:12 PM UTC

by 

[Kate Samuelson](https://time.com/author/kate-samuelson/)


## Kate Samuelson


Mar 24, 2017 5:12 PM UTC

A [World War Two Navy veteran](http://time.com/money/4565340/veterans-day-places-to-visit/) had the 94th birthday of a lifetime when we won $300,000 on a [lottery ticket](http://time.com/4634888/oregon-million-dollar-lottery-ticket/) that his daughter bought him.

After sending lottery tickets to family members on their birthdays for years, Ervin Smolinski, from South Branch, Michigan, was shocked when he was given a Double Bonus Cashword instant game ticket worth $300,000 on his own special day, according to [Michigan Lottery Connect](https://milotteryconnect.com/2017/03/21/best-birthday-ever-crawford-county-man-wins-300000-playing-michigan-lotterys-double-bonus-cashword-instant-game/).

As it was a family tradition, Smolinski had received multiple Double Bonus Cashword tickets as gifts on March 17, his birthday. “The big winner was the first one I scratched,” he said.

> [](https://twitter.com/MILottery/status/844278981918703616)

Smolinski added that because he’s “seen a lot” in his time, he doesn’t get worked up too easily, so managed to stay calm when he realized he had won. He plans to spend his big prize on a new shed and a newer used car, as well as invest some of it. “I’m pretty frugal, I always shop sales and take care of my money and that won’t change. The only thing that will change is I won’t have as much stress in my life worrying about money,” he said.

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