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Chinese immigrant crosses into the blue

  • Published
  • By Maj. Ann Knabe
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Six thousand miles away from her native country of China, Yi Liu knew she wanted to make a name for herself in America.

She grew up in a small copper mining town in the province of Canton and immigrated to the United States in 2003. At the age of 21, she lived with her family in a “box-sized” apartment in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

“I was thrilled to be in the United States,” said Airman 1st Class Yi Liu, who is assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron “Grab and Go” flight kitchen. “We waited 12 years to move to America, and I had a whole new country, whole new world and whole new life of opportunity in front of me.”

Opportunity knocked when Airman Liu met an Air Force recruiter.

“I was so impressed with her sharp blue uniform and professional image. She was everything I wanted to be … resolute, confident and helpful. I wanted to be just like her and open up my wings,” said the Airman from Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

Airman Liu realized the Air Force was a way to achieve her dreams while giving back to her new country. But it wasn’t easy.

“Can you imagine what it is like to be deaf and dumb?” she said. “That’s how I felt in basic training. Not only was I trying to adapt to the tough physical and mental requirements, I was also learning English as a new language.”

Although basic training and technical school were challenging, Airman Liu passed with flying colors, earning an award for excellence along the way. Within a year, she earned her 5-level qualification, learned how to drive and bought a car. More importantly, she became a U.S. citizen, and found self-confidence and identity in her Air Force job.

“I know I play my own special role in the global war on terrorism,” she said. “And this is satisfying, but I want to give more.”

Now stationed in Southwest Asia on an Air Expeditionary Flight rotation, Airman Liu continues to seize opportunity and growth.

“I’m picking up new English words daily, and, in turn, am helping Air Force linguists practice Chinese.”

Others have noted Airman Liu’s commitment to excellence. Her squadron recently named her a “Warrior of the Week,” and she voluntarily teaches a Chinese language class. Airman Liu believes this will help her reach her ultimate goal, to serve as a linguist in the Air Force.

“More than ever, I feel alive,” Airman Liu said. “The Air Force has given me wings to fly into that big blue sky, and today I am doing what I can to help with this critical overseas mission. In the future, I expect to give even more.”