Luke Airman earns citizenship

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The constant urging of his supervisor finally helped one Luke Airman to earn the highest honor possible for him, the right to call himself a United States Citizen. 

Airman 1st Class Lerato Mahlangu, 56th Mission Support Group Commanders' Support Staff journeyman swore in Nov. 30 during the Naturalization Oath Ceremony, at the Arizona U.S. District Courthouse to officiate their citizenship. Lance Corporal Shaunica Beasley, U.S. Marine Corps and Specialist Lazaro Pilacarballe, U.S. Army also swore in. 

Airman Mahlangu a Johannesburg, South African native and his five family members, relocated to Woodbridge, N.J. in 1993. After immigrating to the states, he set many goals for himself in his adopted country. 

For this South African immigrant, two of his biggest goals and dreams were to become a pilot and a U.S. citizen. 

After attending the local New Jersey community college, Airman Mahlangu sought a change in scenery and career choice. Having learned the military would pay for his education, he quickly signed up. 

"I'm glad that I joined the Air Force, because it took me out of New Jersey and opened my eyes to a lot more of what America had to offer," said Mahlangu. "It's also given me an opportunity to go to school for free and to pursue a four-year degree." 

Wary of Airman Mahlangu's immigration status, his supervisor told him the path to naturalization was a lot easier in the service. 

"Staff Sgt. Stephanie Johnson, 56th MSG CSS NCO in charge, told me about the program when I first got to the squadron and how the application process for military members was free and much less time consuming than if I was a civilian," he said.
"Some requirements I had to meet, before being eligible for citizenship was; serving honorably for a total of one or more years and during an authorized period of conflict, becoming a lawful permanent resident and more." 

According to Sergeant Johnson, the road to become an American is a long and frustrating journey for most people. Airman Mahlangu's service in the Air Force gives him an edge over others, of which he should take advantage of. 

"My motivation for helping Airmen Mahlangu was to assist him in accomplishing one of his many dreams," she said. "I pushed him hard because he was given an opportunity that many people only wish for, to become a U.S. citizen, and I did not want him to let this opportunity slip by." 

With one of his many goals crossed off his list, he can now concentrate on others that he hopes to achieve soon. 

"I've always wanted to become a U.S. citizen, now that I have done that, its one less hurdle for me to cross in order to advance in my career," he said. "For example, I couldn't get a secret clearance without my citizenship. Now I can concentrate on my future goals such as finish my schooling, and working toward becoming an Air Force pilot." 

For more information on citizenship qualifications visit the Web site,
https://www.my.af.mil/afpc2ww3/vmpf/IndividualActions/Pages/IndividualActions.asp