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Airman becomes U.S. citizen two years after enlistment

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  An Airman from the 377th Medical Group swore an oath of allegiance to the U.S. during a naturalization ceremony Jan. 25 in Hangar 333.

Airman 1st Class Clive Cudjoe became an American citizen after only being in the U.S. for a little more than two years.

In 2009, Cudjoe left his home of Ghana and immigrated to the U.S. With no job prospects on the horizon, Cudjoe sought out a recruiter to join the U.S. Navy, shortly after his arrival.

When he arrived, the Navy recruiter was out of the office. An Air Force recruiter noticed Cudjoe and explained the benefits of the Air Force and the expeditious naturalization process for servicemembers. Cudjoe was sold and joined the Air Force in 2010.

"It was the best choice I could make," said Cudjoe. "I had the best of luck."

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

Col. Steven Reese, 377 MDG commander, was on stage with Cudjoe during the ceremony and said his time abroad has taught him the importance of being an American.

"We have a young Airman who has already taken an oath to support and defend the constitution of the U.S.," said Reese. "He did this with the hope of one day he would become a U.S. citizen. I have spent many years overseas. Every time I returned, I knew what it meant to be a U.S. citizen."

Peter Rechkemmer, USCIS immigration service officer, administered Cudjoe's oath of allegiance. Rechkemmer said a naturalization applicant must be a person of good moral character, must have an understanding of the English language and a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government.

To learn about U.S. history and government, Cudjoe played a CD in his car to and from work each day. Cudjoe did this while simultaneously working on his enlisted career development courses.

Cudjoe was not made aware that he would have his naturalization ceremony until Jan. 24. Overwhelmed with joy, he called his family and told them of his citizenship.

"I really, really am grateful," said Cudjoe. "I don't know how to show it but it is a big thing for me. Maybe I will just go to my room and scream or something."