Keesler hosts first naturalization ceremony

Stanley Crockett, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Baton Rouge, La., administers the oath of allegiance during a U.S. Naturalization Ceremony, Feb. 11, 2015, at Stennis Hall, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. This was the first time Keesler hosted a naturalization ceremony. Six military members received their U.S. citizenship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Keesler hosts first naturalization ceremony

Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby, 81st Training Wing commander, congratulates Airman 1st Class Jmb Baldonado, 81st Force Support Squadron customer support technician, during a U.S. Naturalization Ceremony, Feb. 11, 2015, at Stennis Hall, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. This was the first time Keesler hosted a naturalization ceremony. Six military members received their U.S. citizenship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Keesler hosts first naturalization ceremony

Six military members from different branches of service pose for a photo following a U.S. Naturalization Ceremony where they received their U.S. citizenship during a Feb. 11, 2015, at Stennis Hall, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. This is the first time Keesler has hosted a naturalization ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Keesler supports citizenship, naturalization services for Airmen

Published March 23, 2015
By Capt. Nicholas Mahanic
81st Training Wing Legal Office

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler has a strong commitment to helping non-citizen Airmen and their families achieve U.S. citizenship.

Feb. 13, Keesler hosted it's first-ever naturalization ceremony. Six military members - three Army, two Air Force, and one Navy -- participated in the ceremony at Stennis Hall. They were sworn in by Stanley Crockett, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services job title. This ceremony recognized the members as full-fledged U.S. citizens.

With assistance from the USCIS, Keesler provides outreach and assistance for service members and their spouses to become citizens. Merrilyn Onisko, USCIS job title, holds a monthly meeting in the legal office to guide applicants in the naturalization process. She provides informational and study materials, as well as advice on the different programs available for clients.

Some of these programs allow U.S. service members and their spouses to have their naturalization process expedited. Service members may also avoid paying filing or biometric fees as part of their application.

For more information on these programs, visit the legal office Mondays 2 p.m.-4 p.m. or Wednesdays 9 a.m.-11 a.m..

Onisko's next visit to Keesler is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 25. To schedule an appointment, call the legal office, 376-8601. Other information is available from the legal office in Sablich Center Room 227 during walk-in hours, 2-4 p.m. Mondays and 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays.