After a 10-year hiatus, Lexington’s Fayette Heating and Air has decided to bring back the company’s “It’s Cool to be a Vet” award honoring veterans.

"It is cool, that's what I think…it's a little play on words, but we need to let them feel like it is cool,” said President of Fayette Heating and Air Brett Melrose.

More than 70 nominations were submitted in the competition, giving Melrose and his team a tough time narrowing down the finalists. The company ultimately named five finalists, all veterans who have come under tough times.

Vietnam veteran Larry Raymer was one of those finalists.

“We go out to eat sometimes to get out of the heat, or just drive around in the car since it has AC,” Raymer said.

On his limited income, Raymer says a new system just wasn't in the cards, until today.

Instead of one winner, Fayette Heating and Air announced all five participants would be receiving a new AC system for free. It was an emotional moment for everyone in the room.

"I've never won anything before, so this was a surprise. Made me cry a little bit,” Raymer said.

The new units will be installed in the coming weeks.

Fayette Heating and Air is planning to make the “It’s Cool to be a Vet” award an annual one, along with their “Gift of Heat” award in the winter.