Department of Military Affairs Accountant Wins $2.5 million from Illinois Lottery

SPRINGFIELD, IL (02/17/2015)(readMedia)-- David Brown of Springfield, Ill., an advanced accountant with the Illinois Department of Military Affairs and his daughter, Laurie, won $2.5 million after she bought them a $10 instant lottery ticket on Feb 5.

Mike Lang with the Illinois Lottery presented the Browns with an oversized ceremonial check today at Camp Lincoln, where they were surrounded by well-wishers from the Illinois Department of Military Affairs and the Illinois National Guard.

Brown and his daughter will split the Lottery prize, which they won playing the Lottery's '$2,500,000 Jackpot' instant game. Brown and Laurie have consistently played the lottery for the past 10 years, occasionally winning large prizes.

"We have always believed we could win," said Brown. "After we won $10,000 last year we saw winning a larger prize as the next step." In claiming their latest prize, the father/daughter opted for a one-time payment of $1.5 million.

Brown, 80, served as a medical noncommissioned officer in the Tennessee National Guard in 1952 and then transferred to the Navy from 1952 to 1959. He has worked as an advanced accountant for 26 years at Camp Lincoln and has played a vital role in managing vouchers for Soldiers using the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.

Brown said one of the instant games he has enjoyed playing is the Illinois Lottery's "Veterans Cash" game, because he knows the profits are going to veterans in need, something he holds dear in his daily work with service members in the Illinois National Guard.

Brown said that although he doesn't need to work, he plans to continue because he enjoys it. "I will work until I no longer want to work anymore," said Brown. "I really enjoy my job and the people I work with here at Camp Lincoln."

Brown said his daughter plans to continue working as well.

"We both plan to pay off our house, cars and then invest the rest of the money," said Brown. "I'm very happy my daughter will be set for life."

Brown said he plans to travel more often, and go see his favorite National Football League team, the New York Jets, play.

Cutline 1: Mike Lang with the Illinois Lottery Commission presents a check for $2.5 million to David Brown an advanced account with the Department of Military Affairs and his daughter Laurie both of Springfield, Illinois Feb. 17 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.