Laughlin Airman becomes true American Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A Laughlin Airman recently received her citizenship during a naturalization ceremony at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 11.

Airman 1st Class Leona Palacio, 47th Comptroller Squadron, grew up in San Antonio, Belize, before recently becoming a U.S. citizen.

Age 27, the new Airman and former phlebotomist began the process to join the military two years ago for a chance to have more opportunities for her and her 9-year-old daughter.

"My wife and I both had parents who immigrated to the U.S. seeking opportunities for themselves and their families. For us and our children, it was a great reminder of both the tremendous opportunities that we enjoy as citizens and of the sacrifices that our parents had to make in order for us to do so," said Maj. Dimitri Martini, 47th CPTS commander. "Her decision to become a citizen is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the United States. She not only chose to leave Belize, the land of her birth, and serve in the Air Force, but irrevocably committed herself and her family to the nation she was already honorably serving."

Palacio explained how becoming a U.S. citizen and an Airman would open up more doors and opportunities for her and her daughter.

"It's been very rewarding for me," she said. "Back in Belize, it's kind of hard. Even though I have worked hard to get where I am, it's kind of like a success story for some people there."

She noted that in her home country, jobs were limited and hard to come by.

"It's hard to find a job there because it's so small and there is not much to do. It's nice to vacation, but if you want to do something with yourself, you have to go outside of the country," she added.

While Palacio is still new to the military, the tech school distinguished graduate explained how the opportunity she has been given is already rewarding.

"My daughter is one of my greatest accomplishments," she said. "She is top of her class and on the honor roll, but being able to show her that you can actually do what you set out do to is great. The military will give her more opportunities and allow her to experience different things."

While one of the Air Force's top priorities is caring for Airmen and their families, another is priding itself on being a diverse team where Palcaio can be a key player.

"I think I have already had a huge accomplishment becoming a citizen from Belize," Palacio said. "I am also a Mopan Mayan all the way from Belize. Usually when I tell people I am Mayan they usually say, 'I thought your people were extinct' or 'I thought there were no more Mayans'. I say no, I am here."

She explained how she always tries to put her best foot forward and enjoys helping others in the process.

"I'm use to working and putting my all into my job," she said. "The money here is worth more in Belize so I will be able to help someone and give them the chance to do more with themselves."

While she expressed a feeling of a weight being lifted off of her, she said she was most excited to go back to school and pursue her dream.

"One of my goals is to go back to school and get back into the medical field to be a nurse or physician's assistant and finish what I started," Palacio said.

Martini said that even though she has only been here a short time that she has already had a positive impact on her unit.

"She is already an incredible asset to the comptroller squadron and has made it immediately clear that her earning distinguished graduate honor was no fluke," he added. "I can only hope she chooses to continue her military service well into the future. While we don't know exactly what her future will hold, the 47th Flying Training Wing, the Air Force and our nation can certainly expect great things from her."