Veterans Administration landscaper Larry Hester of Baltimore |
Baltimore-area man wins $30,000 with Stacked with Cash ticket
The days before and after the July 4 holiday weekend are busy ones for Veterans Administration landscaper Larry Hester, who beautifies and maintains area cemeteries and war memorials to a level befitting the final resting places of those who served this nation. While on a break from the scorching summer heat one recent work day, the Baltimore-area man got a monumental surprise – he won $30,000 on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket!
The 60-year-old was sprucing up the grounds of the Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial overlooking Middle Branch on Waterview Ave. when the broiling summer sun forced him to take a break. “I had already sweated through one shirt that day, so I headed across the street to cool off with a scratch-off and a cold root beer,” said Hester. He purchased a Stacked with Cash scratch-off ticket.
To his surprise, while scratching off the ticket, he revealed a winning emblem and a whopping $30,000 top prize.
“I started shaking. Things like this don’t happen to me,” he explained to Lottery officials later that day. He showed the ticket to another co-worker before stowing it safely away. “I was sweating so profusely that I had to put the ticket away because it was getting damp,” Hester said.
The winnings will have a significant impact on his life. Hester is caring for his 92-year-old mother and the windfall will allow him to provide her with medical care and the peace of mind that her future needs are covered. Hester also plans to share a portion of the winnings with Tim, a VA co-worker and friend of 13 years.
He bought the winning ticket at AA State Check Cashing located at 2830 S. Hanover St. in Baltimore.