GAINESVILLE – Congresswoman Kat Cammack selected 30-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ansil Lewis as the Veteran of the Year,

Lewis served as a Sgt. Maj. in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1987 to 2017, where he received the Bronze Star; Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Navy Unit Commendation; and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal.

After his three-decades-long service to our nation, Lewis continued to demonstrate his dedication to the area's veterans as an involved member of the Clay County veteran community, serving as the past Commandant of the Roy S. Geiger Marine Corps League Detachment 1047, a member of the board for Operation Bambas and the president of the Veterans Council of Clay County.

"I'm honored to announce Mr. Lewis as the 2022 Veteran of the Year," Cammack said. "Sergeant Major Lewis served our nation honorably for three decades, committing his life's work to the Stars and Stripes. Upon his return, he's only increased his commitment to our veteran community, introducing more people to our region's vibrant history of service and leadership. From his presidency with the Veterans Council of Clay County to his organization of dozens of events for our nation's heroes, I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor. I'm excited to celebrate this award with Mr. Lewis and his family in the new year."

Cammack flew a flag over the U.S. Capitol in Sgt. Maj. Lewis' honor and has entered his service into the Congressional Record. A ceremony formally recognizing this honor will take place in January in Gainesville.

Last year's inaugural Veteran of the Year Award honoree was the late Cpl. Duane Dewey, a 1953 Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War veteran.

Cammack thanked the community for submitting their entries for this year's Veteran of the Year and looks forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.

Cammack represented District 3 district, which includes all of Clay County. Redistricting, however, means Aaron Bean now will represent the county as part of the newly-created District 4 once the new Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3.