Seminar provides information on U.S. citizenship

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 944th Fighter Wing
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. --  To be born an American citizen and the many privileges offered in this country can easily be taken for granted. If a crime is committed in our neighborhoods we know the police will respond and an investigation will ensue. We all have a voice to ensure this happens when we vote the leaders into office who make and enforce the laws we all abide by.

Airman Frank Mannington, 56th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, remembers what life was like in Harare, Zimbabwe. "We had a fence 15 foot tall, surrounding my house, we were one of the few without razor wire on top of the fence," he explained. "The crime rate was high, police didn't respond and even as a kid I knew not to go out when it was dark."

After 12 years of trying, the Mannington family was finally granted permission and left Zimbabwe for the United States in 2002 when people were being killed or thrown off their land. In 2013, he joined the U.S. Air Force and has an older brother who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mannington currently has permanent resident status but looks forward to gaining full citizenship here. "I have been told, if I join the military I will gain U.S. citizenship but I still have questions that have not yet been answered," said Mannington.

Few people are fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to relocate and share in the American way of life. Even fewer are willing to put themselves at risk, by joining a U.S. military service. The reasons vary from college benefits to patriotic duty. Whatever the reasons, it is their choice alone.

Staff Sgt. Perla Tapia Cordero, 69th Fighter Squadron personnel journeyman, received her citizenship in May 2011. Born in Mexicali, Mexico a small town along the California border, Tapia Cordero joined the Air Force Reserve in 2010, so she could obtain her citizenship in one year instead of five.

Currently, Tapia Cordero is a full time student at Arizona State University and on course to graduate in spring 2015. On top of going to school she works and does veteran to veteran volunteer work at a valley hospice facility. She is also a council member and outreach team liaison for her church. In March, she was named the 10th Air Force Airman of the Year.
Now she wants to help others get their citizenship. "I know when I first joined the military I didn't know what to do or how to start the process and I had no help at my first duty station."
June 18, 2014 from 1100 to 1200 Tapia Cordero will host an informational seminar at the 69th Fighter Squadron bldg. 976 for anyone interested in test preparation, resources or any questions concerning how to become a U.S. citizen.

When asked where her motivation comes from, she replied, "It is intrinsic motivation, I always strive for excellence in all that I do, try to help others along the way, make a difference in my community and enjoy seeing happiness in others."

For more information on being a U.S. citizen, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services military section at www.uscis.gov/military.