From Airman to American: Langley Airmen granted citizenship

Published May 6, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- Airman 1st Class Ma Antonette Cabantog, a 633rd Force Support Squadron food services journeyman, enlisted in the Air Force November 2008.

Motivated and goal-oriented, Airman Cabantog established a to-do list to guarantee her success: finish career development courses on time, earn a senior airman below-the-zone promotion and volunteer in the community.

Additionally, she desired to become a citizen of the nation she defends; she set out to become an American.

On April 23, President Barack Obama granted her and 23 other servicemembers American citizenship during a ceremony at the White House.

Airman Cabantog, a native of Sariaya, Philippines, called the event "a surreal experience," recalling taking the oath of allegiance before the commander-in-chief and fellow servicemembers.

"I couldn't sleep the night before because of the excitement," she said. "I'd waited a long time for that moment."

Master Sgt. Anita Drake and Airman 1st Class Michelle Johnson, fellow 633rd FSS members, accompanied Airman Cabantog to Washington, D.C. Their company provided emotional support for Airman Cabantog, whose parents were unable to make the trip.

"My mom lives in the Philippines, and my stepdad, an Army staff sergeant, is serving at Fort Lee, Va.," she said. "I'm thankful my co-workers came with me to watch it happen."

Airman Cabantog said that her citizenship will provide her with more opportunities, including a security clearance, the ability to receive a passport and the option to re-enlist.

"I want to continue to serve, and citizenship is a requirement for re-enlistment," she said. "Also, a passport will make it easier for me to visit my mother in the Philippines."

Airman Cabantog recommends that any non-citizen Airmen earn their citizenship "as soon as possible."

"Do it as soon as you get in," she said. "Anything can happen. It can open so many doors."

Airman Yu Yuan, a 735th Supply Chain Management Group mission capability apprentice and native of China, also took the Oath of Allegiance, alongside Airman Cabantog and two other Airmen.

According to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, more than 58,000 members of the armed forces have become American citizens since September 11, 2001.

"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, Airman Cabantog said, smiling proudly. "I'll never forget it."

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