Powerball lottery winner gives $500K to veterans group

DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa woman who shared a nearly $700 million Powerball lottery jackpot has donated $500,000 to a veterans group.

Lerynne West announced on the Ellen DeGeneres Show broadcast Wednesday that she gave the money to the Travis Mills Foundation. The Maine-based organization offers programs for disabled veterans and their families that include retreats in Maine, sporting events and other activities.

Before announcing her gift, West recounted buying the winning ticket at a convenience store in the small Iowa community of Redfield, then leaving it on the floor of her sister's pickup. After submitting her ticket to officials, she promised to use her winnings to help others.

West says it's important "that we never forget the sacrifices our soldiers and families make for our country."

Robert Bailey of New York City bought the other winning ticket.

In Other News

VA expands benefits options for vets with other-than-honorable status

Veterans Affairs officials are updating rules regarding benefits eligibility to include more individuals with other-than-honorable discharges.

Senators unsure about House plan to boost troop pay, housing stipends

House lawmakers are moving ahead with plans to increase junior enlisted pay and military housing stipends, but the idea could face opposition in the Senate

No paper, no plastic: Be ready as commissaries adopt reusable bags

Reusable bags can be more expensive for commissary shoppers up front, but more cost-effective in the long run.

Pentagon disputes report of firefight following Abbey Gate bombing

A new report on the 2021 airport bombing in Afghanistan which killed 13 U.S. troops suggests the assault may have involved more than one attacker.

The man who made Belleau Wood — and the Marine Corps — immortal

Floyd Gibbons made history when his dispatch got past the wartime censor.

Vets advocates push Supreme Court to dump laws punishing homelessness

A case being considered by the Supreme Court could have far-reaching impact on efforts to help homeless veterans.

Special Forces soldiers in NW Florida still awaiting child care center

A decision on whether Special Forces families will get a child development center at Camp "Bull" Simons, Florida, may arrive in the coming weeks.

MacArthur still endures as a larger-than-life figure — for good or ill

Few subjects in military history are more loaded than public perception of Douglas MacArthur.

January 6 convict asks for light sentence in order to remain in Navy

An active-duty service member convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack urged a judge for a light sentence in order to remain in the Navy.

Agreement helps military spouses keep federal jobs in overseas moves

Here's how an agreement between the Pentagon and State Department will help federally employed military spouses move their jobs overseas in a PCS.

Load More