Senior Airman Veronica Lemus Named 2014 Dickies American Hero Of The Year

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global workwear maker Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service today announce Senior Airman Veronica Lemus as the 2014 Dickies American Hero of the Year. A mother of seven children, Lemus' 12-year career spans humanitarianism, volunteerism and an unmatched work-life balance. On Saturday, November 8, Lemus will be honored and named the winner during a ceremony at the Exchange store at Edwards Air Force Base in Edwards, Calif. 

Nominated by her husband for her courage and selflessness, Lemus consistently exemplifies heroism both in the Air Force and at home. Despite helping to oversee unit and resource deployment for major foreign affairs and domestic emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina and Operation Iraqi Freedom, you can find Lemus leading the Parent Teacher Association treasury at her children's schools, volunteering at her local church and helping her children develop through music, sports and academics. Her nurturing qualities extend to the military, where she educates families about available scholarships and suicide and domestic violence prevention programs.

"We're honored to name Senior Airman Veronica Lemus the 2014 Dickies American Hero of the Year," said Mike Binnie, president of Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co.'s North American division.  "Veronica's service to her country and family embodies countless heroic qualities that we value. To say that we were inspired by her dedication and sacrifices would be an understatement."

Lemus was drawn to the military at a young age and has a rich background in the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserves. Service life changed for Lemus after severely injuring her neck and back while training for Army Officer Candidate School, but she refused to let the setback preclude her involvement with the military. Her passion for service amplified six years ago after making a humanitarian trip to Bosnia, where her Guard unit rebuilt a school and rallied to gather books, supplies and incremental resources for the town's children.

"Being named Dickies American Hero of the Year has been one of the most humbling things I've ever experienced, especially when I consider the number of deserving heroes I've met in my life," said Lemus. "While service life has its challenges, I can't imagine doing anything else; nor would I want to. I want to express immense gratitude to my family, the Exchange and Dickies for recognizing the sacrifices made by all military members and their loved ones."

Throughout the summer, Dickies and the Exchange encouraged individuals to nominate current or retired members of the United States military or family members of U.S. Military servicemen and women who portray the qualities they believe exemplify an American Hero. More than 330 photo, essay and video entries were submitted, and after an extensive public voting period, Lemus' inspiring story earned the victory.

"Now in its third year, the Dickies American Hero of the Year campaign shines a spotlight on military members and their families, who continually make personal sacrifices for the betterment of our country," said Exchange COO Mike Howard. "Countless deserving candidates were submitted this year, and we're thankful for their ongoing service and commitment."

Over the course of the campaign, program entries were received at www.militaryhero.com, and a public vote was held for the most compelling submissions. Lemus, the grand prize winner, received $25,000. Four runners-up will each receive $1,000.

About Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co.

Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. is the world's leading provider of authentic work apparel, specializing in innovative performance work wear 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 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.

About the Exchange

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.  To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.shopmyexchange.com.

SOURCE Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co.

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