Colombian-born doctor enlists; earns citizenship Published Feb. 29, 2008 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs Keesler AFB, Miss. -- Airman 1st Class Mauricio De Castro Pretelt is unique. Although he is a brand new U.S. citizen and a junior enlisted member in the Air Force, he holds the official title of "Doctor De Castro Pretelt." Originally a native of Colombia, Airman De Castro Pretelt sought political asylum in America four years ago with his family. Then 23 years old, he had recently completed medical school as a general practice physician. "Due to the situation in Colombia at the time, we feared political persecution because my family was involved with the government," he explained. His parents afterward returned as the nation became more stable. He has been working toward acquiring a license to practice medicine in the United States, taking and passing two of three required exams. He takes his final medical board exam on March 7 and, if successful, hopes to receive an Air Force commission as a physician. Tech Sgt. Brandon King, 368th Recruiting Squadron from Roy, Utah, recruited Airman De Castro Pretelt into the Air Force in June 2006. Department of Homeland Security officials in Metairie, La., then accelerated his citizenship processing that allowed him to take the oath Oct. 7, 2007. Becoming a U.S. citizen is the "greatest achievement of my life," the 81st Medical Operations Squadron laboratory technician said. Airman De Castro Pretelt enlisted in the Air Force for the opportunity it offers him and to serve his country. "The U.S. has been so great to me and my family," he said. "I want to repay the country I love and also become an Air Force physician." Airman De Castro Pretelt's brothers also are in the U.S. military. A brother, already a U.S. citizen, is in the Army serving in Iraq. His other brother is in the Air Force assigned to Bolling AFB, D.C., and recently applied for citizenship.