Iowa Navy Veteran Wins $3 Million in Mega Millions
Jaime Zavala, a Navy veteran from central Iowa, recently scored a huge win — $3 million from the Mega Millions lottery. His ticket, purchased for the Veterans Day drawing at his local Kwik Star in Norwalk, matched the first five numbers and came just one number short of the $900 million jackpot.
Zavala picked up his prize on Tuesday, January 13, at the Iowa Lottery’s main office in Clive. He’s one of just three people nationwide to win $3 million or more in that drawing, joining winners from New York and Arizona.
When asked about his plans for the money, Zavala shared a simple but meaningful goal:
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Pay off his mortgage
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Upgrade his 10-year-old pickup truck, which has over 250,000 miles
“I just want to make life a little easier and enjoy some practical upgrades,” Zavala told lottery officials.
How the Mega Millions works:
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Pick five numbers from 1 to 70
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Pick one Mega Ball from 1 to 24
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Optional multiplier can increase non-jackpot prizes up to 10x
Zavala’s win comes just days after a record-breaking Mega Millions jackpot in Georgia. That winner, who preferred to stay anonymous, claimed the $983 million jackpot, taking home roughly $452.6 million in cash before taxes.
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Inspired by a billboard, the Georgia winner bought a ticket that would change their life forever.
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They plan to make their prize “generational” and give back to good causes, including programs funded by the Georgia Lottery like HOPE Scholarships and Pre-K initiatives.
“These historic wins aren’t just life-changing for the winners,” said Georgia Lottery President Gretchen Corbin. “They also benefit students, families, and communities across the state.”
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