Young Army Couple Wins $150 Million Lotto Jackpot

FITZGERALD, Ga. — Danielle and Tirrell Moore have 150 million reasons to quit the Army (search) and return to civilian life.



The couple bought the winning ticket for the Mega Millions (search) multistate lottery and won a $150 million jackpot while on leave from South Korea (search). They chose to receive a lump sum payment of $88.9 million, and now plan to ask the Army for releases.

"It makes no sense to stay in the Army," Tirrell Moore said Thursday. "I have loved it. I'm just going to relax and get my head together."

Danielle Moore added: "I love the military. I'm not so sure if it's as easy for me to give it up as it is for him, but I have to go with my heart and my husband."

Tirrell Moore is a chemical decontamination specialist with the 520th Maintenance Company. His wife has served as a helicopter electronic technician with C Company, 52nd Aviation Regiment. They are both staff sergeants.

The couple was married in a civil ceremony eight years ago while stationed at Fort Drum, N.Y. With the new infusion of cash, the 27-year-old from Tampa said she wants to renew their vows in a church.

"It will be a party," Tirrell Moore said.

Her husband has long claimed that someday he was going to win the lottery, Danielle Moore said. But when he returned from buying tickets this week, she didn't like the numbers and sent him back to the fast-food store to try again.

The Moores are due to return to the South Korea on Oct. 16. They say they may ask for an extension considering their change of fortunes.

In the meantime, Tirrell Moore plans to do plenty of fishing while home in the south Georgia town where he grew up.

"We have some time for the dream wedding. But fishing, that's what's coming up soon," he said. "It's relaxing, nobody bothering you and you can listen to the water."

Great story. Glad for him.

Thats awesome!!! Lets seeee...what would i do with 88.9 million?.......

Good for them. What cut do you suppose Sam is going to rob from them?

Unfortunately, they have a 50% chance of being broke in 4 years and will have ruined their careers in the Armed Forces. Chances are favorable too that a divorce is in their future.

On a happier note....congrats to the lovely couple. Enjoy.

He can afford to wipe his behind with an E-5 paycheck now..good for them, hope they do some philanthropy.

If I won 88 mill, I'd give half to my immediate family, leaving me with 44....than I'd spread out 20 mill among my closest buds, keep about 5 and give away the rest to people who really need it...I don't think any sane human being would need more than 5 mill in their lifetime. I think keeping more than 10 mill will cause much problems down the road.

Lander: Uncle Sam isn't really robbing the winners in this case, since any adult would already know that income will be taxed - if they didn't want it to happen, no one forced them to play. However, Uncle Sam is totally reaming all of the other players to pay the winners. Since I have no intention of ever being turd-burgled, I've never bought a lottery ticket in my life and I never will.

I think it's FANTASTIC that a couple of U.S. soldier won the lottery! Good for them.

I hope they do the wise thing and hire a money manager and invest most of it.

Only in America!

Good point Jazz.
I wrongly accused Sam of stealing from the winners, but in fact, as you pointed out, Sam only stole from the millions of losers.