Oregon veteran double checked a lottery ticket before he tossed it, then he won $6.5 million

An Air Force veteran stopped a 6.5 million U.S. dollar lottery prize from slipping through his fingers when he was moments away from throwing his ticket in the trash.

According to CNN, 94-year-old William Bowker decided to double-check his lottery ticket after his granddaughter told him it wasn't a winner.

"She thought it was a Mega Million ticket, and started circling matching numbers on the ticket," said Bowker. "But they were for the wrong game. I had an Oregon's Game Megabucks ticket. She got done, and later, I thought I should double-check it before throwing it away. I am glad I did. I immediately thought — BOOM! I won!"

[File Photo: epa via IC]

Bowker, a long-time lottery player, purchased the 10-number ticket for 5 U.S. dollars in Happy Valley, Oregon. Officials at the food store that sold the winning ticket said it's the largest win they've had in Oregon, according to a press release from Oregon Lottery.

Bowker chose to take the lump sum payment of 3.25 million U.S. dollars – 2.2 million U.S. dollars after tax.

He called a family meeting to discuss how to use the money, according to the press release.

"I have what I need, and I'm 94," said the former pilot. "This is a wonderful way to help my family."