Washington, D.C. – Lionel Holmes was as cool as the jazz music played on U Street when he strolled into the D.C. Lottery’s Claim Center this morning with his $1 million POWERBALL ticket. The D.C. native is a Vietnam War veteran, retired federal government worker, devoted husband, and longtime D.C. Lottery player.

The 63-year old northwest Washington, D.C. resident parlayed his $2 POWERBALL wager for the July 5, 2008 drawing into $1 million when his ticket correctly matched all five white balls to win $200,000. His Power Play option for an extra $1 multiplied that win five times and into the big hit. Holmes bought his winning ticket at Starlight Food, 5425 5th Street, N.W.

Happily married since 1970, Holmes says he and his wife have been playing the D.C. Lottery for nearly as long. “I play the numbers about twice a week and [D.C.] KENO™ in between. I’m used to winning a little bit.” About his winning strategy, Holmes advises fellow D.C. Lottery players, “Always go with the Power Play option.”

Asked how he’ll spend his cool million—with one daughter pursuing a PhD at Georgetown University and another having graduated from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University—Holmes affirmed that in addition to getting rid of some bills, he will pay off his daughter’s student loan. He and his children are graduates of the DC Public Schools system. Proud of his children’s accomplishments, Holmes proclaims, “It proves that you can go to DC public schools and go right to the top!”