Driven by a desire to serve

  • Published
  • By James Branch
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  For many born outside of the United States, the path to citizenship can be a long, challenging process. It was Senior Master Sgt. Khurram Masud's desire to serve that gave him the patience and endurance to complete his process. Masud is the 94th Aeromedical Staging Squadron's senior enlisted Air Reserve Technician. He supervises day to day medical operations for Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

Born and raised in Islamabad, Pakistan, Masud applied for a diversity immigrant visa and was selected to travel to the United States. He joined the U.S. Air Force in April 1997, completing Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. His first duty station was Shepard AFB, Texas, where he worked in health services management.

"When I was 18 years old, I applied to serve in the Pakistan Air Force," said Masud. "There's a quota system in the Pakistani military where 98 percent of the positions
are given to relatives of military members. Only two percent of the positions are offered to the civilian population. I knew that it wouldn't be easy to qualify based on those numbers."

Though not yet a U.S. citizen, Masud was accepted into the U.S. Air Force, proving that he had what it takes to become an Airman.

"I was happy to announce to everyone back home that although I was not selected for the Pakistan Air Force, I was still able to fulfill my dream by serving in the U.S. Air Force," Masud said.

Shortly after his three-year anniversary in the U.S. Air Force, Masud began his over two year journey to U.S. citizenship.

"My process was a lengthy one," said Masud. "Thinking that I had fulfilled all of the requirements for my application package, I found out that my fingerprints had expired, and I had to submit new ones. I passed my first interview, only to find out that I had to start the application process all over again because I initially applied too early. Finally, after four sets of fingerprints, two successful interviews and two oath ceremonies, I received U.S. citizenship. It was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life."

Masud's parents, both citizens of Pakistan, were extremely proud of him.

"My father died in 2000, three years after I joined the military," said Masud. "He was a civil engineer for the Water and Power Development Authority in Pakistan. My mother currently lives in Pakistan. We talk often. I plan to visit her soon."

Masud has served both on active duty and the Reserve. He has traveled extensively while state side, but because of his lengthy citizenship process, he missed opportunities to travel abroad.

"I was chosen for a deployment to Afghanistan to serve as an interpreter in 2001, but because my citizenship had not been granted, I could not go," said Masud.

Masud insists that people born outside of the United States desiring citizenship should follow the correct procedures and stay the course until it is completed.

"In my opinion, the process for military members to become U.S. citizens has improved drastically. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 328, you can file for citizenship after one year or more of military service. You must be a legal permanent resident at the time of your examination."

The challenges endured during his citizenship process prepared Masud for his military career. He received the Air Force Airman of the Year Award in 2000.

"Military life is all about volunteerism and sacrifice," said Masud. "There is no greater award than this. I take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. My strength is patience. Patience is required in every military occupation. It's all about attitude. Be flexible, and you can accomplish whatever it is you desire to achieve."