What are the odds -- Misawa Airmen win tickets to Super and Pro Bowls

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  What are the odds that two Airmen from the same shop win Super Bowl and Pro Bowl tickets from Air Force-wide competitions? 

In the case of Airmen 1st Class Kennith Holley and Ricky Parham, both with the 35th Communications Squadron, the chances look pretty good. 

Only eight tickets throughout the Air Force were given out for seats to the annual events.
Every Tuesday night for 16 weeks, the enlisted Collocated Club marketed a football frenzy event where club members could enter their name in the drawing for a "chance" to win. 

"We were told to sign up to get a free t-shirt and free jerseys," said Airman Holley, about putting his name in the drawing. "So when I received the call that I won, I didn't even know I was put in for something like that. It was pretty far-fetched." 

Airman Parham's reaction wasn't much different. 

"I was a little confused at first because I didn't remember filling out the paper. But I was so excited afterward," he said. 

With 371 entries throughout Misawa alone, and 10,000 entries throughout the Air Force, Airmen Holley and Parham had low chances of winning but it played in their favor. 

"Club members could put in their entry forms a total of 16 times here," said Ms. Patricia Russ, supervisor of club operations, and marketing and entertainment specialist. "The names that are entered are sent down to headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, where they are randomly picked out." 

Airman Holley only put his name in the drawing once. 

The Airmen both received the call and had to get over to the E-Club to pick up the information. 

"I was looking for a ride to the E-club and Parham told me he had won tickets too. So when I told him about mine, he thought I was just making fun of him," said Airman Holley.
The odds point to sincere luck, according to Ms. Russ. 

"With the way this looks, I am going to Vegas with these guys," she said. "I was so happy for them, that I felt like I won the tickets." 

The Super Bowl winner, Airman Holley, receives two round-trip airfare tickets to Phoenix, Ariz., lodging accommodations, rental car, Super Bowl game and NFL Experience tickets. He is taking his best friend with him. 

Pro Bowl winner, Airman Parham, receives round-trip airfare for two to Honolulu, Hawaii, lodging accommodations, rental car and tickets to the Pro Bowl. He is taking his girlfriend. 

"Being a member of the E-club pays off," said Airman Holley.