Team Travis celebrates six new citizens

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristen Rohrer
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Five Air Force members and an Air Force spouse, stationed at Travis, recited the Oath of Allegiance and became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Travis Air Museum Feb. 6. 

The ceremony was unique for Travis, as it was the first-ever naturalization ceremony to take place on base. 

"Today is an especially great day to be an American, as we witness first-hand our Constitution in action," said Col. Mark Dillon, 60th Air Mobiltiy Wing commander. "I am honored to participate in today's naturalization ceremony to celebrate a truly momentous milestone - American citizenship - a privelidge that most Americans unfortunately take for granted." 

The six Team Travis members naturalized were: Senior Airman Kristine Spence, 60th Medical Support Squadron, Airman 1st Class Vicky Santos, 60th Diagnostics and Therapeutic Squadron and Airman 1st Class Elbi Ballesteros, 60th Surgical Operations Squadron all of the Philipines, Airman 1st Class Juan Hernandez, 60th Aerial Port Squadron and Airman 1st Class Alphonso Pelayo, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron, both of Mexico, and spouse Susan Benjamin, originally from Canada. 

On July 3, 2002, former President George W. Bush issued an executive order allowing expedited naturalization for all military members on active duty on or since Sept. 11, 2001. By Sept. 30, 2008, 42,981 members of the U.S. armed forces had been naturalized, 37,193 in the United States and 5,788 in ceremonies overseas. 

Becoming a naturalized citizen means these Team Travis members now get to enjoy some new-found rights as Americans. 

"The biggest difference in becoming a citizen means I now get to vote and have a voice [in the elections,]"said Airman Santos. 

In addition to voting, some of the other benefits of becoming a U.S citizen include having the right to obtain a United States passport, apply for certain federal jobs and apply for federal and state benefits. 

For others, becoming a citizen while in the Air Force has special meaning because of the military history in their families. 

I have family members in the other branches of the military, so I joined decided to join the Air Force, said Airman Ballesteros. He also added that although not his primary decision to join, the order to expedite naturalization for military members was a unique advantage. 

After reciting the Oath of Allegiance in unison, Travis' newest citizens were congratulated by family, friends, coworkers and base leadership on their accomplishment. 

Colonel Dillon also shared a few words of congratulations for the new citizens. 

"Today, six Team Travis Airmen, Airmen with a capital "A," which includes all those associated with our Air Force, become permanent members of the United States of America.I proudly stand before you - our newest citizens - knowing you have already accomplished the 'fatigues' of defending our nation, and thus, will cherish American citizenship all the more. "