Kirtland Airman becomes U.S. citizen

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  An Airman assigned to the 377th Dental Squadron became a U.S. citizen during a naturalization ceremony Feb. 29 at the Mountain View Club.

"It feels good to be a citizen because I opened up opportunities for myself that I never had before," said Senior Airman Raewyn Reyes.

Reyes, originally from Belize, has been in the Air Force for three years.

"I decided to join the Air Force to give back to a country that gave me a better life and provide me opportunities I never had," he said.

Col. Steven Reese, 377 Medical Group commander, presented Reyes his certificate of naturalization.

"He made a decision to support and defend the constitution of the U.S. when he was not even a citizen of this country," said Reese. "We're proud to have Reyes as a U.S. citizen. He's done a lot to prove he deserves it."

Reyes said he plans to vote, finish school and continue to serve in the Air Force.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, military members with at least one year of service can apply for naturalization under Section 328 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

A naturalization applicant must be a person of good moral character, understand English and have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Servicemembers and veterans interested in applying for citizenship can call (505) 924-6606 for more information.