Soldier Hits Big Kick to Win $10K

American Forces Press Service

Jan. 12, 2007 – Football fans across America got a sneak preview of the nation's newest class of college stars at the seventh annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio's Alamodome on Jan. 6. But the brightest star of the game was Army Pvt. Josh Lucas, who took home $10,000 when he put a football through the uprights during an in-game promotion by USAA. Lucas and his roommate, Pfc. William Herron, both assigned to Company C, 264th Medical Brigade, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, were selected to compete against one another and be the first to kick a 30-yard field goal. Lucas booted the ball between the uprights on his second try and took home the $10,000 prize. However, Herron didn't go home empty handed; he walked off the field $3,000 richer, courtesy of USAA.

ASAA is a corporate member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights ways Americans support U.S. servicemembers and their families.

"That was a pretty exciting deal," Lucas said. "It seemed like I got called out of the stands just out of the blue, and the next thing I know I'm kicking a field goal and winning $10,000."

"USAA's mission is to support the men and women who defend our nation, and their families," said Mike Luby, president of USAA Federal Savings Bank. "As Americans, we can never truly repay the debt we owe our troops and their families. However, holding this contest and giving away these tickets is a small token of our appreciation for their service and sacrifice."

In addition to the field goal contest, USAA provided Fort Sam Houston leaders 1,000 tickets to the game for soldiers and their families. They also provided lunch for the more than 3,000 soldiers attending the game.

This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become writers and criminal justice leadership.