A chance of a lifetime Published Nov. 5, 2013 By Senior Airman Rusty Frank 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Under hot fluorescent lights inside the Ramstein Base Exchange, a brand new Ford Fiesta sat on display. According to an Army and Air Force Exchange Services New Car Sales press release, the car served as the grand prize for a contest. The New Car Sales held the contest to show their appreciation to men and women who serve their nation. This particular car was ripe for the picking for any service member to win it in the contest. For one lucky Airman, it became a once-in-a-lifetime moment. "We were just up at Ramstein getting stuff for our house, because our stuff from the Traffic Management Office hadn't arrived yet," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Gonzalez, 606th Air Control Squadron vehicle maintenance mechanic. "As we walked in, we noticed that they were setting up everything for the drawing for the car." Gonzalez said he and his wife decided to enter into the contest since they were already in the store. They had just finished shopping, and, as the drawing would take place in 15 minutes, they decided to stay and wait. When the contest started and the names were drawn, Gonzalez wasn't sure if his name was called. "When they drew my name, they said it with an 'O' - like 'Gonzaloz' - because they couldn't read my writing," he said. "Automatically, I knew it was me - I have bad hand writing." The ceremony started with five spots for five of the names drawn. With balloons surrounding the five spots, each contestant popped a balloon given to them. When they popped the balloon, a card fell out with a number on it corresponding to one of five keys. When the contestant received the key, they got to click it to see if it worked with the prized car, he said. "I was so excited and nervous when I went to push that button," he said. "I almost thought that I didn't push it right, and then the car went off. It was pretty crazy." When Gonzalez won the car, both he and his wife Kimberly said they were filled with excitement. "I was in total shock," Kimberly said. After all the commotion from the ceremony was over, Gonzalez took time to think about how winning this car would benefit him and his family. "Winning this car has helped me and my family out by having a car that I don't have to worry about passing an inspection," he said. "It will also provide both me and my wife with safe rides, and we will have a small, little car to drive on the roads that are more compact."