After 25 years in the Army, Rufus Jones of Kenly thought he’d seen everything, but in all those years of service he never came across a winning $400,000 lottery ticket.

“I just thought, ‘Is this for real?’” Jones said. “This can’t be for real.”

Jones, a Vietnam veteran, was on his way home from visiting his brother in Raleigh when he stopped at Around the Corner on Poole Road and spent $5 on a $400,000 Bonus Cash ticket.

Jones claimed his prize Tuesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, Jones took home $277,001.

While he was in the Army, Jones saw combat, but also provided security to Army hospitals.

“I look at this win as a blessing and a reward,” Jones said.

He plans to use the money to help his six siblings.

$400,000 Bonus Cash launched in July with four top prizes of $400,000. Two top prizes remain.

Ticket sales from games like $400,000 Bonus Cash made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $634 million for the state last year. For details on how more than $77.8 million in lottery funds has made a difference in Johnston County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.