Pearl Harbor Survivor And WWII Veteran Alex Horanzy Named 2015 Dickies American Hero Of The Year

Dickies Awards Five American Heroes for Outstanding Acts of Service

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Nov 09, 2015, 12:23 ET

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Alex Horanzy, a 94-year-old former U.S. Army private, understands what it means to sacrifice for your country – he enlisted in the Army at 17-years-old, fought to protect the country during WWII and is now one of the last surviving members of the attack on Pearl Harbor. To celebrate his service, Horanzy is recognized as the 2015 Dickies American Hero of the Year and awarded $25,000 for sharing his experience to inspire and motivate others.

Presented annually for the past four years, the Dickies American Hero of the Year program has honored 20 veterans and active duty military members and awarded more than $100,000, honoring those who have courageously served in the U.S. Armed Forces and who portray the qualities that exemplify an American hero.

Horanzy's long-time neighbor, Elsie Stevens, nominated him for this year's American Hero award saying, "Alex is a present hero who also represents a historic past. The bombing of Pearl Harbor may live in infamy for the rest of us but for Alex, it also lives in memory."

Horanzy also fought in New Guinea and was stationed in Australia before being discharged for contracting malaria and settling down in Philadelphia with his children and late wife. His experiences have been a motivating and inspirational force in powerful presentations and pro-bono public speaking appearances nation-wide.

"Mr. Horanzy's acts of bravery, selflessness and strength during a turbulent war that changed the lives of millions, captures what it means to be the Dickies American Hero of the Year," said Brent Streit, vice president of marketing, Dickies. "Now in its fourth year, the American Hero program provides support and shines a spotlight on those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country."

"I feel very lucky for the opportunities I've had to serve my country and am happy to share this award with all those who served during WWII, especially those who fought at Pearl Harbor," said Horanzy. "I'm proud to be a part of the American Hero of the Year program and am thankful for Dickies' continued support of the U.S. Armed Forces."

Four American Hero runners-up also received monetary thanks, including Richard Kuhlman of Medford, Oregon (Army); Daniel Fox of Wichita, Kansas (Army); Roger Powell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Air Force); and Carlos Carpio of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (Navy).

About Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co.
Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. is the world's leading provider of authentic work apparel, specializing in innovative performance workwear since 1922. The company offers premium quality products at an unmatched value across a vast assortment of apparel, footwear and licensed goods in more than 100 countries. Williamson-Dickie operates through wholly-owned affiliates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, China, Japan and the Middle East; exclusive licensees and distributors in South America, Africa and the Asia Pacific region; and under the Dickies®, Workrite®, Kodiak®, Terra®, Walls®, Big Smith®, 10X®, Liberty® and Duxbak® brands. For more information, visit www.williamsondickie.com.