Navy veteran Gary Barry will commemorate Veterans Day a little differently than in years past.

The lifelong southwest suburban resident recently scratched an Illinois Lottery $10 Million Cash Bonanza ticket and instantly won $10 million.



Barry was at home watching television when he scratched his ticket, the Illinois Lottery said in a statement.



“I must have stared at that ticket for an hour,” Barry said. “I never, ever expected to win a prize like this.”



Barry, 60, served as a Yeoman in the U.S. Navy for seven years during the 1970s. He has two daughters and four grandchildren.



When asked about his plans for the windfall, Barry said he will get professional financial advice, the statement said.



