Airman spins the wheel to ‘Big Money’

  • Published
  • By Julie Ray
  • Air Warfare Center Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) --  Personality and perseverance, mixed with a little luck, made an Airman here a big winner on the "Wheel of Fortune" game show which aired Feb. 17.

The "Wheel Mobile" visited the base in November to screen potential contestants for future tapings. Applicants played a mock version of the game with a "traveling Pat and Vanna" who were looking for fun, energetic people to play the game.

Three weeks after making the second cut, 2nd Lt. Eric Mason, of the 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron, received the call that he was selected to appear on the game show for his chance to spin the wheel for cash and prizes.

Lieutenant Mason said he believed his personality was a deciding factor for him to appear on the show.

“During the interview, (the judges) wanted to see how enthusiastic and personable we were,” he said. “I have a vibrant personality.”

However, Lieutenant Mason almost did not go to the tryouts.

“I stopped watching game shows in 2001 after a disappointing turnout on ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,’” he said. “I missed the $1,000 question and lost all my money.”

Thousands of people watched the two days of tapings, and having the military on the show had a special meaning to hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White.

“We call the ‘Wheel’ America’s game,” Mr. Sajak said. “Being a veteran myself who served in Vietnam in 1968 as a radio broadcaster, (the show has) a special place in our heart for all the armed services.”

Vanna White, who visited Nellis before, explained what a wonderful time she had and how great the people were.

“The Airmen are very special, to me and what they are doing for us and this country,” Ms. White said. “Anytime we can do anything to help or support the military, we’re all for it. We love Nellis, and I hope the Airmen win big money.”

Big money was only part of what the Airman won. He took home cash and prizes.

“I won $24,450, a 2005 BMW Z4 convertible worth $36,220, and a $1,000 gift certificate,” Lieutenant Mason said. “I made it to the bonus round by figuring out a phrase -- ‘corny jokes.’ I figured out the phrase because my wife always tells me that I tell corny jokes. That’s when I won the car.”

Another Nellis Airman, Capt. Ray Pearson, will be featured in the Feb. 25 episode.