Two airmen become U.S. citizens at Barksdale Air Force Base

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Smiles were abundant on the morning of July 15 at Barksdale Air Force Base as two airmen received their United States citizenship.

Airmen First Class (A1C) Atson Nameta from Micronesia and Airmen First Class Thykon Rudenok from Ukraine were surrounded by family and friends during this momentous occasion in their lives.

2nd Bomb Wing Commander Colonel Michael Maginness delivered the opening remarks and shared the story of how Barksdale Air Force Base began hosting naturalization ceremonies for airmen who become U.S. citizens.

The Honorable Judge Mark Hornsby administered the Oath of Allegiance to the two airmen.

A1C Nameta shared how living near the Air Force base in Guam was his inspiration for joining the USAF.

“We would see like the fighter jets just flying over our homes. I thought it was always, it was always really cool to see that,” he says.

To A1C Rudenok, becoming a U.S. citizen is an honor and a dream come true.

“I finally accomplished my American dream by becoming an American citizen. And it just feels like just out of this world,” he shares.

The ceremony was a show of camaraderie and unity between the service members in attendance.