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McConnell member makes journey; becomes true 'American Airman'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFPN) --  A line of more than 1,000 people wraps around the Kansas City, Mo., Municipal Auditorium. Sounds of people speaking at least 100 different languages fill the air.

This was the scene June 9 when 1,080 foreigners, representing 142 countries, gathered outside the auditorium waiting to become U.S. citizens.

Airman 1st Class Thanh Tran of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing was among those waiting in the crowd in uniform.

"I wanted to proudly represent the military and especially the Air Force," said Airman Tran. "By undergoing naturalization, I hope to encourage all non-citizen military members serving America to become U.S. citizens."

Airman Tran participated in western Missouri's largest-ever naturalization ceremony and became an American citizen.

Airman Tran came to the United States in 2001 from Vietnam with his family and enlisted in the Air Force in May 2007 after turning down acceptance to the U.S. Naval Academy.

His stepfather, Tech. Sgt. Sam Pham, also left his country and came to America, in 1975 after American troops withdrew from Vietnam. Five years later, he received his U.S. citizenship and enlisted in the Air Force, where he is currently serving on active-duty with the 93rd Intelligence Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

"My stepdad is my biggest influence," Airman Tran said. "He was one of the reasons why I decided to enlist in the Air Force instead of the other branches. To understand what he does and see him work every day amazes me; it pushes me to be just like him."

"When I think about being an American, I think about it as an honor," Airman Tran said. "I can enjoy the freedoms other countries don't have. I am humbled because it motivates me to be a better citizen and to follow and fulfill the oath of citizenship I swore to." 

Typically, local applicants acquire citizenship in downtown Wichita, Kan; however, Airman Tran volunteered to deploy in the near future, so he made a special trip to Missouri to receive an early naturalization.

"Airman Tran really wants to serve his country at home and abroad," said Master Sgt. Barbara Brown of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing. "Without his citizenship, he wasn't able to obtain a security clearance, which prevented him from deploying."

"He truly admires America," she said. "Being an American citizen is something we sometimes take for granted. Being a citizen means everything to him and it's fantastic to see his dream come true."

American citizenship will also open doors to opportunities that Airman Tran would like to pursue, such as traveling outside of the United States and voting in this year's upcoming presidential election.

"I think America has given me so much more than just a place to live. It is my duty to give back by committing myself to serve, protect and defend America," said Airman Tran.

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