AAFES, Dickies present big check to local Airman Published Nov. 12, 2014 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Air National Guard Senior Airman Veronica Lemus (right), 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard, poses for a photo with a large check and Chief Master Sgt. Bonnie Balthrop, 146th Airlift Wing supply superintendent, Nov. 8 at the Exchange food court. Workwear maker Dickies and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service presented Lemus with the $25,000 check for winning the 2014 Dickies American Hero of the Year award. 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. Nominated by her husband for her courage and selflessness, Lemus consistently exemplifies heroism both in the Air Force and at home. A mother of seven children, Lemus' 12-year career spans humanitarianism, volunteerism and an unmatched work-life balance. 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. Both Lemus and Balthrop are assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station near Oxnard, California. Edwards AFB was the site of the presentation as it is the closest base to Lemus. Balthrop's civilian job is with the 412th Logistics Readiness Squadron.