Fairchild Airman takes Oath of Allegiance

Published June 20, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Michael Means
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions of an individual's life. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services you are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

On June 19 a member of Team Fairchild took that oath at the United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington with the honorable Cynthia Imbrogno, U.S. Magistrate Judge presiding.

"I came to the United States with my mother and younger brother for a better life," said Airman 1st Class Jillian Siojo.

Siojo, a native from the Philippines, moved to Rohnert Park, Calif., eight years ago and joined the Air Force in April 2011.

"I joined the Air Force because I want to serve our country, see the world and meet a lot of cool people," he said.

Siojo, a member of the 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, was joined by his commander, first sergeant and peers from the Vehicle Management flight.

"It means a lot to me that the people I see and work with on a daily basis came out to support me during my naturalization ceremony," he said. "I'm really happy to be a part of such an awesome flight."

According to USCIS, the United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world. America values the contributions of immigrants who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.

Before finishing the ceremony Imrogno stated the United States of America is a melting pot of people from all over the world and urged those getting their citizenship to retain their heritage and hold to their customs that make our nation unique.

"Being an American citizen now means that I can go further in my career in the Air Force," said Siojo. "It has also given me the opportunity to do more for the Air Force and I would like to remain in the Air Force to continue serving our great nation."