Becoming a citizen: The sky’s the limit!

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  This is the second part of a three part series detailing three Airmen becoming American Citizens. 
American citizenship is often something that is overlooked and taken for granted by most people, but for three Warriors of the North it is something they have been dreaming about for years. 

Finally that dream has come true. 

Each of them had their own reasons for beginning this journey, but for Airman First Class Alston Leslie, a supply troop with the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron, that dream began as he watched his father serve as a policeman in Jamaica. 

"I had watched my father serve and be a part of a brotherhood as a policeman," said Airman Leslie. "I wanted to be a part of something larger than myself, and knew I could be in America." 

Having already received permission to be in the country, he then wanted to get the same for his mother. That would include years of waiting and paperwork to be completed to get the coveted "green card" for her, said Airman Leslie 

"There are so many opportunities in this country for people who want to succeed. I wanted to help my mother have just as many chances for her as there were for me," said Airman Leslie. 

Becoming an Airman and then a citizen fit right in with his goals of completing his degree as well as earning his pilot's license. His plans after spending time in the military serving his country are to become a commercial pilot or maybe continue in federal service by working with the Department of Homeland Security as a U.S. Border Patrol pilot. 

"I have always loved airplanes and flying, so joining the Air Force was a natural choice for a place for me to serve," said Airman Leslie. 

Completing the process of becoming a citizen was no easy task for the three airmen. After piles of paperwork, each candidate must undergo a rigorous background check as well an interview to determine their true intentions of becoming a citizen. They also had to study a hundred question test covering topics from American history to government to civics. Airman Leslie's dedication to his goal saw him through all of years of waiting as well as the tests and interviews, culminating in his standing next to his fellow Airman while a judge stood before them, administering the oath. 

It was the end of one journey, but the beginning of another for the airman.
"It feels so good to have finished this after so many years. I have been wishing for this ever since I came to this country. It has been 12 long years, but I am very satisfied at how things have turned out" said Airman Montenegro. 

"Even now I still look at myself in the mirror and think of how great it is to be an Airman in the military and a citizen of this great country," he added.