Paris train heroes win big on 'Millionaire'

The three heroes from the Paris train attack made a stop in Las Vegas over the summer — and took home $250,000.

The trio taped an appearance on the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" game show in June, and their episodes aired Monday and Tuesday.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Spencer Stone, Oregon National Guard Spc. Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler kicked off the show's "Hometown Heroes Week" on Monday. The friends gained international attention in 2015 when they stopped a suspected terrorist on a Paris-bound train. 

Stone, Skarlatos and Sadler made it to the $500,000 question with all of their lifelines used up. The idea of half a million dollars was tempting, but they decided to walk away with $250,000 in winnings. 

"I wanted to go for the [$500,000]," Stone told Military Times on Wednesday. "I get too excited when I'm in that environment. Thank God Alek talked some sense into me."

Stone said he had a great experience being on the show with his friends.

"It made it a lot easier to be up there," he said. "It was three minds working together, and they gave us an extra lifeline."

Stone said he already donated some of his winnings to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which funds programs to help veterans and their families.

The staff sergeant — who was promoted two ranks and awarded the Purple Heart and Airman's Medal when he and his friends disarmed the suspect on the train — said he'll be separating from the service at the end of this month. 

The game show will honor the military Nov. 7-11 during "Victory for Veterans Week" with veteran contestants from each service. For each person who reaches the $100,000 question during that week, the show will donate $5,000 to Disabled American Veterans.

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Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.

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