Laughlin Airman takes oath of allegiance in Del Rio Civic Center

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Cody Chiles
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Taking the Oath of Allegiance and leading the United States' newest 115 citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance, a Laughlin Airman received U.S. citizenship in the Del Rio Civic Center Sept. 12. 

Raising his right hand, Senior Airman Luis Perez-Macias, 47th Medical Support Squadron medical readiness training manager, proudly took the Oath of Allegiance. Eight years ago Airman Perez and his family came to the U.S. from Jalisco, Mexico. 

"The opportunities in the U.S. are endless. I joined the military to show my appreciation for the opportunities America has given me," said Airman Perez. "I feel great! I've wanted to become an American citizen for a long time." 

Prior to the Oath of Allegiance, guest speaker Alia Moses Ludlum, United States District Judge, said "You are swearing allegiance to the most sacred document in the United States." 

Victor Roberto García, United States Judge Magistrate, presided over the naturalization ceremony granting citizenship to people from the Philippines, Russia, Ecuador and Mexico. 

"Getting my citizenship will help me progress in the military and open more doors for me in the future," Airman Perez said. 

According to Airman Perez, restrictions on security clearances being given to foreign citizens limited his ability to get many of the jobs the military offers. Airman Perez applied for citizenship after 16 months of service. Fifteen months after his initial application, he was naturalized. 

During peacetime non-citizen U.S. military service members who meet the normal naturalization requirements can apply for citizenship after one year of service. During wartime service members can apply for expedited citizenship after only one day of service. 

"Airman Perez's record of performance at Laughlin has been extraordinary," said Lt. Col. Joseph Aigner-Varoz, 47th MDSS commander. "I'm proud to be his commander." 

Airman Perez is Laughlin's 47th Medical Group Airman of the Year, 47th Flying Training Wing Airman of the 4th Quarter, May's XLer of the month, president of Base Airmen Against Drunk Driving and recently earned Senior Airman Below the Zone.