MARINE FORCES RESERVE, New Orleans -- For more than a decade, Marine Sgt. Jairo J. Larrea has wanted to become a U.S. citizen, and on April 10, his dream came true.
His family, friends, and co-workers from the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing staff were there to support him during the naturalization ceremony at the New Orleans District Courthouse.
"This was my dream," said the Cuenca, Ecuador, native. "I wanted to do something different than my family when I got out of high school."
Doing something different wasn't always easy for Larrea, but he faced every challenge head on.
"It's impressive, and I'm real proud of him," CWO-3 Robert W. Smith, a 4th MAW aviation supply officer, said. "I think it's honorable to set a goal and accomplish it. He's overcome every barrier along the way."
Larrea was born one of seven children to Gloria Cajamarca and Ivan Larrea in 1978. Larreacajamarca was his given last name, but it was shortened at his request upon naturalization. He moved to Queens, N.Y., to be with his father in 1993, and enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 1996.
"Boot Camp was crazy. I was confused," recalled Larrea. "I could barely speak English. It's funny now, but at the time, it was hell."
Larrea said there were a few other recruits in his platoon who spoke little English. Near the end of Boot Camp, his senior drill instructor took them into his office and told the new Marines they should be proud of what they had accomplished.
"I'll never forget that," said Larrea.
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, was Larrea's first duty assignment after Marine Combat Training. There he met his wife, Kantarelya Momonuki, a native of Brazil.
During this tour in 1999, Larrea completed three years of military service, a requirement for naturalization, and began the process. However, because of mail service difficulties, the time difference between Japan and the U.S., and a general lack of available time, Larrea was unable to complete his package while in Iwakuni.
It was not until moving to New Orleans and joining the 4th MAW staff in 2001 that he found the support he needed.
As luck would have it, fellow aviation supply clerk, Sgt. Nilson Murcia was a naturalized U.S. citizen from Cali, Colombia.
"I was already familiar with the application process," said Murcia. "I assisted [Larrea] in filing forms and stuff."
Not only did Larrea receive help with the mountain of paperwork, but his command made arrangements for him to meet all off-base, working-hours appointments.
"They gave me all the time I needed. There were no obstacles here," Larrea said.
Larrea's co-workers were more than happy to help him achieve his goal.
"He's the type of guy who likes to help others. He's always there," said Murcia. "He's very professional and knows what he's doing."
"The importance he put on it is a drive you don't see. It's impressive," said Master Sgt. Jeff M. Dixon, 4th MAW supply chief.
Smith said, "He's a good Marine. He strides ahead and leads from the front. Marines coming up behind him have somebody to follow and look up to."
Smith said looking at everything Larrea went through to become an American citizen made him think of his own citizenship.
"I think we Americans take it for granted," added Smith. "He's given up his citizenship to come be an American and accept that responsibility. It made me realize how proud I am to be an American."
Larrea said being an American citizen holds numerous benefits. He is now able to move in and out of Ecuador more quickly and will no longer have to pay fees to do so. In addition, his wife can get a green card more quickly than she would have before.
Larrea's citizenship will also help him achieve his next goal--joining Marine Helicopter Squadron One, the unit responsible for transporting and guarding the President. Larrea said applying is one of the first things on his new to-do list.
Larrea is grateful to everyone who has helped him get where he is today and given him and his family the opportunities they have been given. He also expresses his gratitude to his fellow Americans and new country.
"This is my way of saying 'thank you' to America for having my family here and for letting them have a chance for a good life. Thanks to the U.S.--for all of you guys."