Pete D.

When I received the email in August that I've been chosen to be a contestant, I couldn't believe my eyes! I looked at my wife, Lorianne, and asked her if she wanted to go for the taping of the show. Of course, she and I were both shocked that I was picked, but that this is the chance of a lifetime! Not only was I going to be on the show but I was going to meet both Pat and Vanna, AND Jim Thornton! The timeline was short but we both decided in that moment that we are going to accept the invitation. Of course both of our bosses were ecstatic for us, [allowing us] to take the time off for the show.

After the Zoom call, we began the planning of heading to CA for the taping of the show. I just couldn't believe that I was picked to go on the show! I was beside myself! My wife suggested that I download a Wheel game to practice, which I immediately did. From the time we arrived in LA for the taping to when we left, this was the most incredible experience of my life! I was sooo nervous going to the studio to tape, but everyone who worked for the show put all of us veterans at ease instantly. It was a long day to say the least, but we got through it and had so much fun doing the show! If anyone asks me, "Would you do it again?" ABSOLUTELY!!! Experience of a lifetime!

The hardest puzzle was in the bonus round, very difficult. But, just to make it to the bonus round was an incredible feeling. Once I told my family and friends about me being on the show, I received nothing but positive replies! My advice to future contestants is this, "Just be yourself and have fun." I can't wait for my friends and family to watch the show and see how I did. Everyone who asked me if I won, I would tell them to just watch the show. Now it's time for the airing and I am so excited to see it myself on TV. I can check off several things off of my bucket list. The #1, #2, and #3 things on that list were to meet Pat Sajak, Vanna White, and Jim Thornton.

I would like to thank everyone at the Wheel of Fortune studio for having all of us veterans and for making this experience an unforgettable one and to complete a life dream. Thank you Wheel of Fortune!