U.S. Air Force Veteran Claims $1 Million Match 5 Powerball Prize!

United States Air Force veteran, Matthew Packebush of Hutchinson, has claimed a Match 5 Powerball cash prize worth $1 million!  Kansas' newest millionaire purchased a $2 Quick Pick ticket, matching the first five Powerball numbers in the June 30 drawing.  The winning numbers were 07-15-20-41-44 Powerball 22.  Packebush's winning numbers were 07-15-20-41-44 Powerball 10.

Although the Hutchinson resident missed winning the Powerball jackpot by one number, he is thrilled to have won a $1 million cash prize.

"Shortly after the drawing, I looked up the winning numbers on my phone," said Packebush.  "When I realized I had matched all five numbers on my ticket, I called my Mom.  She doesn't like getting calls late at night, but I had to tell her the news.  When she answered the phone, she thought something was wrong.  When I told her I thought I had won the Lottery, she couldn't believe it."

The 34-year-old winner, who has been remodeling his home, decided to go to a nearby convenience store to have his winning ticket verified.

"When I scanned my ticket, the machine said the Powerball results weren't in yet, so I went home and looked up the winning numbers again," said Packebush.  "At that point, I was pretty sure I had matched all five numbers.  I decided I had better sign the back of my ticket, but couldn't find a pen anywhere.  I drove back to the store where I bought the ticket and asked for a pen."

After signing the back of his winning ticket, Packebush said he kept a death grip on it, not wanting it out of his sight.  After a sleepless night, he went to a local grocery store where he purchased Ziploc bags and clear tape.  Knowing he had to wait until Monday to claim his prize, Packebush placed his winning ticket in a Ziploc bag and taped it to his chest.

"I didn't want to take a chance of losing it," said Packebush.  "That's a lot of money!"

According to Packebush, he doesn't play Kansas Lottery games often, only when he can fit it in his budget. 

"I play when I can afford to," said Packebush.  "My advice for other players is, don't get discouraged because winning is a very wonderful thing."

Packebush, who has three children, plans to purchase a new truck with his winnings, start college funds for his children and invest the rest in real estate. 

The winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Shop 774, located at 1401 E. 17^th St. in Hutchinson.