Retired SNCO wins Base Exchange sweepstakes

Robin M. Ayling, left, McConnell Air Force Base and Fort Riley Exchange Service general manager, presents a check to retired Master Sgt. Catherine Lawrence, Feb. 17, 2016, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Lawrence won a check valued over $3,300 to cover her holiday expenses, by using her Military Star card from the beginning of November to end of December, the period when card users were entered into the sweepstakes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury)

Retired SNCO wins Base Exchange sweepstakes

Published Feb. 19, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Catherine Lawrence, a retired master sergeant, was recognized as winner of Military Star "Holiday Bill on Us" sweepstakes, Feb. 17, 2016, here.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service selected three winners between the millions of entries automatically submitted by shopping at Base Exchange stores and using the Military Star card.

"We paid the bill of retired Master Sergeant Lawrence; out of four million entries, she was one of the three winners world-wide," said Robin M. Ayling, McConnell Air Force Base and Fort Riley Exchange Service general manager.

Lawrence won a check valued over $3,300 to cover her holiday expenses, by using her star military card through the beginning of November to the end of December, the period when card users were entered into the sweepstakes.

"It was completely unexpected; I had no clue," said Lawrence. "It feels absolutely fantastic."