Face of Defense: Airman from Iraq Earns Citizenship Through Service

By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner

375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., Nov. 14, 2014 – Theo Shakir grew up in a very different landscape compared to the life he wakes up to now. He hasn't always been an Air Force biomedical equipment technician and he hasn't always been a citizen of the United States.

His life changed dramatically in 2005, when he and his family departed from their unravelling native country. “I am originally from Baghdad, Iraq,” said the airman 1st class. “My first language is Arabic.”

Shakir’s family worked for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and when his uncle was assassinated, his family left the same week. They took only luggage and left their cars and home behind. He also had to say goodbye to his grandfather, who refused to leave the country and wouldn't let the family stay.

“The worst part was having my family separate at that moment in time, because I lost two people within a week,” Shakir recalled.

Shakir joined the Air Force in January 2013 to gain experience and discipline finally gaining U.S. citizenship through his service Oct. 17.

“It was a pretty straight forward process,” he said. “The only trouble I had was starting the process over three times. The first time I started I was a civilian and the second time I was in technical training for my job and I was not allowed to complete the process. The third time was the time that actually worked.”

He then took part in a citizenship ceremony attended by his coworkers and friends from the 375th Medical Support Squadron.

“The most rewarding part of obtaining my citizenship was being welcomed and supported by my shop and leadership,” Shakir said.

His entire shop has been behind him in becoming an American and his supervisor said he is proud of his airman's accomplishment.

“We are very proud of him for getting his citizenship,” said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Smith, a 375th MDSS medical maintenance NCO in-charge. “Going to the citizenship ceremony was eye-opening. None of us had ever seen a citizenship ceremony before. There were a lot of people there that were so grateful to obtain their citizenship, something we take for granted.”

Shakir now has a new place to call home.

“My favorite thing about obtaining my citizenship has been the security that comes with it,” he said. “Where I am from, the lack of security is why we move around. Now I don't have to move around anymore. I also love the idea of this country, a place where you can make your own name, no one is above the law, and everyone has the same fair shot at life. All are equal.”