Barksdale hosts citizenship ceremony for 7 airmen

Seven airman became United States citizens Tuesday during a naturalization ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base.

On July 2, Senior Airman Kethelen Da Vitoria dos Santos, Senior Airman Ramon Mitra, Senior Airman Eli Sebastian, Airman 1st Class Daveika Hall, Airman 1st Class Tiffany Hennings, Airman 1st Class Christian Santos and Airman 1st Class Imuzi Thompson became U.S. citizens.

Sebastian said, "I am the fifth person in my family to get their citizenship. So, it's been a long time coming... the military has done a great job of making the citizenship process accessible and expedited."

This naturalization ceremony was the first of its kind at Barksdale.

"I've been looking forward to this for months now and to see it actually come to fruition is something truly special," said 2nd Bomb Wing commander Col. Michael Maginness.

The naturalization ceremony was hosted in partnership with the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service and featured U.S. Magistrate Judge Hon. Mark Hornsby. Hornsby administered the oath of allegiance to the airmen.

This event was memorable for not only the airmen but their families.

Following the oath of allegiance the airmen brought their families and friends to the stage to take photos with Maginness and 2nd Bomb Wing Chief Master Sergeant Sylvetris "Ru" Hlongwane.

During that time Thompson's family rushed to the stage with U.S. flags in hand. "It is the greatest moment of my life to see all of my children," said Thompson. "I am just grateful to the American people to allow this to happen and can't wait to prove that they made the right decision."

U.S. President Joe Biden also had a comment for the airmen that was presented during the ceremony.

Biden said:

"I want to thank you for choosing us to believe that America is worthy of your aspirations. Every immigrant comes from America from different circumstances, and for different reasons. But you all have one thing in common courage, the courage it takes to sacrifice and make this journey, the courage to leave your homes, your lives, your loved ones, and come to a nation that is more than just a place but rather an idea."

He continued by saying, "welcome my fellow Americans."

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.