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Airman 'wheels' for fortune

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
An Edwards Airman got a chance to spin her "wheels" for a fortune Feb. 8.

Senior Airman Victoria Dougherty, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F-16 avionics system specialist, participated in the "Wheel of Fortune - Wheel Salutes the Armed Forces" edition, set to air the first week of April, and won $17,500 in cash and trips to New York City and Nice, France.

"Wheel of Fortune" has three contestants per episode who compete against one another solving word puzzles. The contestant with the most money in each episode goes to a bonus round at the end of the show.

"My participation in the 'Wheel of Fortune' was a blast," Airman Dougherty said. "I used to watch that show on TV. And to be part of it - to actually be there and doing it - is a lot of fun. If you know how to play your game, it is simple."

Airman Dougherty was the only Air Force member out of four to make it to the final, bonus round and tried her luck for a car.

"I was impressed with Airman Dougherty as a professional Airman who represented our Air Force well to the American public," said Master Sgt. Larry Schneck, Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office public affairs superintendent.

Airman Dougherty signed up to join the contest last year at the "Wheel of Fortune" Web site. After a few weeks, the "Wheel of Fortune" production company sent her an e-mail selecting her as one of more than 60 servicemembers auditioning for the show.

The show's staff sent Airman Dougherty a letter in November selecting her as one of the show's 15 contestants.

During the final contestant audition, the show's staff normally has about 70 would-be contestants in the room, Sergeant Schneck said. They try to recreate a mini version of "Wheel of Fortune" - there are puzzles, a miniature wheel and a staff of contestant coordinators. They give the participants a chance to stand, call out letters and solve puzzles.

"Finally, each person takes a five-minute written test," Sergeant Schneck said. "The test consists of 16 puzzles and participants attempt to fill in the missing letters. When the five minutes are complete, contestant coordinators will collect the tests and leave the room to grade them. When the contestant staff returns, a separation of the group is made; some folks are asked to remain in the room. They base this separation on a general impression of each person as a 'Wheel of Fortune' player and the scores."

Airman Dougherty taped the show at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Calif. She competed against a Marine and a Coast Guard member. The categories and questions were all military-related.

"I was nervous about not doing well in the game and making a fool of myself," Airman Dougherty said. "But it was interesting with the studio audience and servicemembers' support. They were all rooting for us."

There are a total of 15 military members, three per show, from all the services including the Coast Guard, who participated in the Armed Forces week shows, Sergeant Schneck said. This was the first time since 2003 "Wheel of Fortune" has held an Armed Forces week.

"When I won the jackpot round, which is worth $10,000, I knew I was going to win," Airman Dougherty said. "Things were going so well for me. I was just building my winnings. I played it step-by-step and on my own terms because I don't want to have regrets. I solved every puzzle but one."

Preparation for the contest was easy for her since she is a "Wheel of Fortune" enthusiast and watched the show almost every night when she was young, Airman Dougherty said. She also played the online-version of the show at the "Wheel of Fortune" Web site to familiarize herself with the game.

The "Wheel of Fortune - Wheel Salutes the Armed Forces" episodes air April 3 - 7.

Check local cable or satellite listings for specific air times.