Airman's 6-year journey leads to citizenship

by Senior Airman Charles Hutchinson IV
439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/2/2013 - WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Senior Airman Jean Marc Tchazou knows being a U.S. citizen is a privilege. Some people are born with it; others have to work hard to obtain it.

"I am originally from Cameroon, but I'm from the United States now," said Tchazou.

Born in Douala, Cameroon,  Tchazou is a finance specialist with the 439th Airlift Wing. He fled Cameroon in 2007 due to political instability.

He became a United States citizen July 4.

"It was in Sturbridge, Mass., and it was a change in my life," said Tchazou while talking about his swearing in as a U.S. citizen. "It's a blessing and also a big privilege to be a United States citizen. I think that maybe some people born here don't know how lucky and blessed they are."

"After you are sworn in and they call your name and give you that certificate, the feeling is something that words cannot describe," said Tchazou.

With countless possibilities in America, SrA. Tchazou isn't letting any go.

"So far what I have accomplished in this country I'm sure if I was in Cameroon I would never do," he said. Tchazou came to America with a bachelor's degree in finance from Douala University and recently graduated from Fitchburg State with a master's degree in accounting.

He also owns a brand-new car from working hard.

"These are things that are tough to obtain in Cameroon," he said. "The system doesn't allow you to really show your potential."

Cameroon is in West Central Africa, between Nigeria and Chad on the Gulf of Guinea. The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé, and the country is home to more than 20 million people.

While co-workers find his work ethic absolutely astounding, Tchazou does allow himself time to relax.

"After I got my citizenship I threw myself a really big party" he said, in his soft-spoken French accent. "You have to really celebrate it. I came here just six years ago and I already have my citizenship."

Tchazou said to gain citizenship "you have to work hard and put trust in the system. You have to stay out of trouble and do what is right. That's what makes America special."

This ambitious United States citizen ended the interview by saying, "It's not who you are, it's not how you look, or how you talk, but you are judged on what you can do. I have been given that chance. I'll continue to try."