An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Scott major is contestant on Wheel of Fortune

  • Published
  • By Airman Megan Friedl
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Playing a game of wit and luck such as the Wheel of Fortune is something most people do from the comfort of their couches. But, one lucky Air Force officer from Scott got to compete on the show for cash and prizes.

Maj. Jeremy Alexander, 15th Operational Weather Squadron director of operations, not only competed, but came away with $13,549 worth of prizes.

Alexander said he was always interested in Wheel of Fortune and knows of friends from college who competed before. He decided when the tryouts came to St. Louis that he would give it a shot. After tryouts at the River City Casino in St. Louis, he competed in a second set of auditions. Two days after that he got a call back inviting him to go to Los Angeles to compete in the recording of an episode.

Rayna Mercer, Alexander's friend, said, "I was really anxious to see what he had won because he's an incredibly talented and smart guy."

Alexander went with his mother on the trip and competed Oct. 4.

Nineteen other servicemembers were also invited to participate in the weeklong showing of "Saluting Our Military," which is a tribute to military members.

Pat Sajak, Wheel of Fortune host and veteran said, "This is a tough time for our men and women, and they are doing some tough work, and not always with universal appreciation for what they are doing. This is our way of reminding Americans of the great work they do, and our way of showing a little appreciation and, hopefully, spreading a little money their way."

Alexander competed with a Marine and a Sailor. He solved three of the six puzzles. One of which he won $1,000 and the other he won $3,000. He also won a trip to Maui, Hawaii by solving the prize puzzle of "Slicing a juicy pineapple." The trip includes airfare, hotel, $1,000 spending money and a new camera. He is planning to take his wife sometime before his move to Barksdale Air Force Base, La., next summer. His cash winnings were $6,550. With the Hawaii trip he won a total value of $13,549, before taxes. Alexander said he plans to save most of the cash he won for his upcoming PCS.

In the end, Alexander came in second, with Marine Staff Sgt. Sean Honsberger winning overall.

Alexander said "I consider it a win no matter what I came away with because it was a really good experience."