Airman becomes citizen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Airman 1st Class Duckjin Park, 60th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron medical laboratory technician, spent the past nine years living in Ann Harbor, Michigan, but he wasn't considered a legal citizen until July 22, after a naturalization ceremony at the Travis Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center.

A member of the U.S. armed forces must meet certain requirements and qualifications to become a citizen of the United States.

He or she must demonstrate good moral character, knowledge of the English language, knowledge of U.S. government and history as well as an attachment to the United States by taking an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

"It's not easy to gain citizenship in the civilian world," the South Korean native said. "It's harder for you to get a job without citizenship and I am really glad I joined the military because it gave me that opportunity."

Park moved to the United States from Busan, South Korea, when he was 14 years old.

"In Korea, you have to serve in the military for two years," he said. "It's mandatory."

One of the four constitutional duties, along with taxes, education and labor, legislated in South Korea is conscription or mandatory military service. The current conscription law applies only to males, between ages 18 and 35, although women are allowed to enroll in the Reserve Officer's Corps as of 2010, according to the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook.

"I made a choice to join the U.S. military," Park said. "I took the initiative and earned the citizenship. It's a small part of why I joined the military."
The Air Force provides many opportunities and benefits to the men and women who selflessly serve this country.

"In the military, there are a lot of benefits and if you don't take the initiative, you're missing out on the benefits offered," he said.

Park majored in biology at a university before joining the Air Force.

"The experience that I get (in the Air Force) is an unbelievable experience," Park said.

"The things I learned at the university were not hands on. I didn't see myself applying what I was learning to actual patients. Here, the things that I am learning and the things I do are hands on and real situations. As a civilian, I don't think you would get this experience until you make it to medical school, which takes a long time. I am very appreciative of that."

Park's co-workers are supportive of his accomplishment and speak highly of his character.

"I was happy that he gained citizenship and that the Air Force was able to help him achieve it," said Staff Sgt. Jarrett Pierce, 60th MDTS medical laboratory technician.
 "Airman Park is a good fit for the lab and a good fit for the Air Force."