Price is right for Nellis Airman

  • Published
  • By Julie Ray
  • Air Warfare Center Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) --  Watching the “Price is Right” game show faithfully for years, an Airman here was invited to “Come on Down,” for his chance to bid in contestants row.

“It has been my dream to be on a game show,” said Senior Airman Roger Thomas, an information manager with Air Combat Command Training Support Squadron’s Detachment 8 here. “I went because I’ve watched the show for years, and I thought maybe I would have a chance to win something.”

Airman Thomas signed up for the show through the information ticket and travel office. Dressed in his service-dress uniform, he headed to California for the dream of a lifetime.

For what he said seemed like hours, Airman Thomas stood in line with other eager potential contestants trying to attract the shows producer for a chance to bid on prizes.

Airman Thomas said he thinks his enthusiasm and his uniform got him noticed by the producer while he waited in line.

“We waited in line four hours,” Airman Thomas said. “It was crazy, but well worth the wait. The producer asked me if I like my job and I said, ‘Yes, Sir, I love what I do. I love being part of the military; it makes me proud.’ I also told the producer that I watch the show faithfully every day. I set my timer, and I do not miss one episode. The producer’s response was, ‘Impressive.’”

Halfway through the show, host Bob Barker asked the announcer who the next contestant was, and the announcer said, “That would be Roger Thomas.”

“I looked around and thought to myself, ‘Who is Roger Thomas? Oh, that’s me!’” Airman Thomas said. “I couldn’t believe they called my name. It was a dream.”

Two incorrect bids kept Airman Thomas on contestants’ row. But after the third bid on a dishwasher, Mr. Barker told him he won.

“I played a game called, ‘That’s too much,’” Airman Thomas said. “I didn’t do well on the game, but I did get a chance to spin the wheel, and it landed on the $1. That put me in the showcase showdown.”

Airman Thomas’ showcase prize consisted of two motorcycles, a dinette set, platinum china and a home-alarm system.

“The Lord told me to bid $19,500,” Airman Thomas said. “The audience roared because they thought I underbid. The actual price of my showcase was $20,000, and I won. I pinched myself five times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.”

Airman Thomas said his win could not have come at a better time.

“I’m getting married June 26 and recently went through some hardships,” he said. “I was praying to God to please show me a miracle. It was a blessing for me to win the showcase.”

Airman Thomas offered some advice for anyone wishing to participate on the show.

“If you want to be on the show, keep your hopes up. Know that miracles do happen,” he said. “You might think they won’t call your name, but trust me, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.”

The “Price is Right” airing of Airman Thomas is scheduled for May 27. Check local listing for times.