Airman recognizes freedom as privilege, not right

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  To many people living in this country, the freedoms and luxuries that accompany the wealth of this nation should come as a right as a citizen. For one Airman, these are privileges that should be fought for and earned.

Airman Carlos Campos-Fernandez, 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management apprentice, was born in 1988 in Havana, Cuba, a place where every aspect of his life was dictated by government. As a Communist nation, under the reign of Fidel Castro, Cuba has been criticized by various foreign governments and non-governmental organizations for its human rights record. 

"Those experiences that I grew up with made me a better American today, because I can fully appreciate what it is like to live without certain luxuries that I have now," said Airman Campos-Fernandez. "In Cuba, they told us how much rice we could have, how many loaves of bread we could have, they even told us we can only have one television." 

"Every male has to serve in the military. They tell us what job we are going to have. I couldn't imagine now, not having the freedom to become whoever I want to be or to pursue happiness any manner I see fit," he added. 

Now a member of the  Air Force, Airman Campos-Fernandez signed up as a two-year enlistee. He enjoys learning his job and hopes to finish his college degree in computer science before the end of his enlistment. 

"I like my job in supply; its reinforcing things like attention to detail, vigilance and other things that were engraved into my head in basic training," said Airman Campos-Fernandez. "I joined the Air Force so that I can get the experience I need to become a successful person in life. Of course the financial stability was a plus because now I can help my mom when she needs it, but I really wanted to be able to say that I've done something with my life that few people in this country can say they've done." 

Many of his colleagues enjoy his presence in the workplace and look forward to seeing his progress in the Air Force over next few years. 

"Airman Campos-Fernandez has a great personality and is eager to learn his role in the workplace environment," said Tech. Sgt. Christian Castillo, 96th LRS Assistant NCOIC. "He has a lot of potential." 

After completing his first goal of becoming an Airman, he is now looking forward to obtaining his citizenship. 

"It's quite a lengthy process to get one's citizenship. I've been waiting for about four months, but I think that it is well worth the wait," said Airman Campos-Fernandez. "It's a great privilege to be able to call this nation home; a privilege that I see a lot of Americans taking for granted." 

In a time of economic crisis and war, it is important to remember that the freedoms and rights its citizens are entitled to are fragile and precious, which is one aspect of life in America that Airman Campos-Fernandez can fully appreciate.