Army Veteran Wins Big on Pick 4

Most Louisiana Lottery Pick 3 and Pick 4 players select numbers with personal meaning. For Vietnam veteran Jerome W. Finkelstein of Hammond, the last four digits of the serial number on the gun assigned to him during the war ended up winning him $18,100 in the April 21 Pick 4 drawing when the numbers 2-5-5-7 were drawn.   

Finkelstein, age 66, recounted his time in service when he visited Lottery headquarters to claim his Pick 4 prize. Finkelstein said he received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and four Presidential citations while serving in the Army. He proudly carries his meal card from those days in the war as well as his identification card from when he worked for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“This is what I used to look like,” laughed Finkelstein as he showed off a photo of himself from earlier days.

Finkelstein received $12,670 after state and federal tax withholdings. He said he plans to use the money to pay bills and maybe purchase a new vehicle. The winning ticket was sold at Circle K #1712 on South Morrison Boulevard in Hammond. 

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem should call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help. 

For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing. More information about other Pick 4 winners can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com/pick-4.