From Africa to America: Grand Forks Air Force Base Airman becomes U.S. citizen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.- --  He wasn't always an American citizen, but that never stopped Jeff Karingithi from becoming an American Airman.

Airman 1st Class Jeff N. Karingithi, a contracting specialist from the 319th Contracting Flight, became a United States citizen in a Fargo, N.D., federal courthouse, Jan. 11 at the age of 27.

The graduate of Eastern Christian High School in North Haledon, N.J., expressed his feelings after his citizenship was finalized.

"I felt great! It was surreal, and it took all day for it to finally sink in. I spent most of the drive back from Fargo in reflection and the rest of the day in appreciation of the opportunity to make this final step."

Karingithi first arrived in the United States by plane at the age of 14, where he was greeted by a massive lifestyle change.

"The culture shock was intense because public schools in Kenya are extremely strict. We even wore uniforms to school, so the laid-back, interactive atmosphere of the school system here was refreshing."

Along with the school discipline changes, Karingithi was exposed to holidays and traditions very foreign to his country.

Karingithi explained that he and his family immigrated to the United States for opportunities they may never have had in Kenya.

"It was a couple reasons, but most importantly it provided me and my family with opportunities I wouldn't have been afforded otherwise."

He did not stay in just one place however; during his time in the United States he has racked up a total of five towns of residency.

"I moved around quite a bit when we relocated to the U.S. I never really stayed in one place long enough to call it my hometown. I can't say I enjoyed moving from town to town," he said. "However moving around gives you the opportunity to re-invent yourself. It gave me the chance to be different and try new interests."

One thing Karingithi is sure about is the reason he joined the Air Force.

"I have always been fascinated by the Air Force, and I have always been interested in gaining the discipline and exposure that the military lifestyle brings, as well as the multiple opportunities provided by experiences within a military career. The Air Force is invested in making sure that every Airman is well-rounded; they stress the importance of fitness and education, and promote the best among us who display all these qualities."

Summer of 2012 was the time Karingithi decided he was meant to serve in the Air Force.

"Joining the Air Force was exciting, meeting with the recruiters, the MEPS (military entrance processing station) program, basic training, all of it was a great experience and I encourage all my friends to follow suit."

Since joining, Karingithi has received two special recognitions.

"I was coined by my commander, Maj. Sarah Mcelhenny five months after I got here and I was named Airman of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2012."

Karingithi has big plans for his future as a U.S. service member.

"I want to serve in the military as long as I can," he said. "The Air Force has given me a lot of educational and military opportunities that may help me both within my military career and, if I so choose, my personal career. It is the one way I know to contribute to a military and country that has been so generous to me and by extension my family."