The winner of the Exchange’s Monster Energy Casey Currie Sweepstakes was presented with their winnings at a ceremony at Tinker Air Force Base on Nov. 16.
Latisha Philpot of Sapulpa, Okla. was on hand to accept the brand-new Jeep Rubicon 392 customized by off-road racing star Casey Currie, along with a $10,800 cash prize. Latisha accepted the prize in place of her husband and winner, Texas Army National Guard Maj. Steve Philpot, who is currently deployed in Germany.
Monster Energy’s Vice President of Sales, Global Military Channel Chuck Lane presented the prizes, joined by several representatives from both Monster and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Oklahoma City. Samplings of Monster and Coca-Cola products, swag giveaways, a customized winner’s cake and other refreshments were provided to attendees and shoppers.
Maj. Philpot was able to share in the celebration on video, as he was joined on screen by Exchange Mid-Central Regional Vice President Scott Bonner and Sweepstakes Fulfillment Tech Judy Gathings.
“We are family serving family here and we try to bring a piece of home to those overseas assignments,” Bonner said. “Sometimes it is challenging but when get to see the faces of service members getting that taste of home that they didn’t expect, it’s all worth it.”
Tinker BX General Manager Charles Eaves also offered his remarks to the winners.
“To see the Philpots enjoy winning one of the biggest prizes that the Exchange offers is truly thrilling,” Eaves said. “These exciting sweepstakes opportunities make the shopping experience for our military community even more worthwhile and we hope it encourages even more of our shoppers to get involved.
“We truly are family serving family, and we are happy to share this moment with them.”
When Maj. Philpot was first informed of his winnings, his initial reaction was understandable.“My reaction was total disbelief,” he said. “I actually thought it was a scam call at first.”
Latisha’s reaction was similar.
“I was in shock and thought it had definitely had to be a scam,” she said. “Tinker confirmed that we did in fact win and the next morning I was able to get ahold of Steve and confirm that it was real.
“He was just as shocked as I was and was only hoping to win a gift card from the sweepstakes. We’re truly grateful for everything the Exchange does and makes available for military families.”
Maj. Philpot is currently deployed at USAG Wiesbaden as a liaison officer to U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) in support of his unit in Kosovo.
“I grew up in a military family and frequented the Tinker Exchange until we moved to Texas in 2012,” he said. “In Germany, I often shop at the Hainerberg and Ramstein Exchanges. It has always been a benefit for our family no matter where we live.
“I’m so excited to get home, hug my family and drive my Jeep!”
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