While serving six months aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in Iraq, U.S. Navy storekeeper James Dasilva learned he had won the Great Stainmaster Carpet Sweepstakes grand prize - new carpet and installation valued at up to $5,000. He says he entered the contest online at www.stainmaster.com on a whim, and took the news of his winning in stride. "My wife can't wait to shop for her new carpet," he said. "I'm excited that she's excited."

The longtime Norfolk, Va., resident, who now owns a home in Newfoundland with his wife Joan, was selected in a random drawing from a pool of nearly 25,000 entrants. He will receive 1,500 square feet of Stainmaster carpet and cushion in the style and color of his choice, as well as free removal of his old carpet. The sweepstakes began May 31 and closed July 11. Participants entered through Stainmaster's website.