He said he enjoys giving back to the community and working with young people and he wants to make sure they get a proper education “so they can become leaders in our world.”

The U.S. Army veteran of service in Korea has been honored for his work in and with small businesses. He acquired the food business in the ‘80s and has also spent time serving on cultural and civic groups including the city of Port Arthur Parks and Recreation Board, the American GI Forum, Lamar University Citizens Advisory Board and Padres en Action, a group of Hispanic parents in the Port Arthur school district.

Hernandez has been the American Softball Association District 27 commissioner, and Fastpitch Softball manager and the Port Arthur Latin American Softball Tournament chair. He has helped with numerous political campaigns on the local, state and national level.

His honors have included:

• Henry B. Gonzalez Hispanic Leadership Award recipient

• Rusk Athletic Club Latin American Softball Hall of Fame

• Small Business Person of the Year award

He has served on several boards, including:

• Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce

• St. Catherine School

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church