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NEWS | Feb. 17, 2009

Chance meeting leads to Air Force opportunity

By Airman 1st Class Sylvia Olson 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

A chance meeting was Cristina Bennett's first introduction to the United States Air Force and an opportunity to become an American citizen. 

When Cristina was 6 years old growing up in Bucharest, Romania, her parents divorced and she was raised by her mother. Although Cristina says her childhood was difficult, her mother ensured she was always provided life's basic necessities. 

At 19 years old while working as a waitress to pay for college, she met Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mark Bennett, who was on a temporary duty assignment to Romania. 

The two had an instant connection even though Sergeant Bennett spoke very little Romanian and Cristina spoke a limited amount of English. 

"At first my mother didn't approve of Benny," said Cristina, using her nickname for her husband. "She was under the impression that Americans only wanted to have fun and party. Meanwhile, we fell in love." 

For the next three years the couple kept in touch through e-mail and Sergeant Bennett's occasional visits from his unit at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. In 2004, Sergeant Bennett received an assignment to Camp Darby, Italy. 

"Every time Benny had to leave I would cry because I missed him," said Cristina. "When he was stationed at Camp Darby we decided it was a good time to move in together." 

Their time in Italy tested their relationship and strengthened their bond, and that's when Cristina's family accepted Mark as one of their own, she said. 

"There was a time when I was really sick and Benny took care of me," said Cristina. "Seeing him take care of me while I was sick was when my mother changed her mind about him. That was when she realized he loved me." 

The couple eventually married in 2006, and when they came to the United States Cristina was able to get her green card. It's at this point she thought of joining the Air Force. 

"I was tired of the Romanian work mentality. Romanians are unwilling to help or teach others how to do their job because they're afraid if someone else learns how to do their job, they'll steal it," Cristina explained. "You also have to have connections in order to get a job in Romania. 

"In the Air Force, if you don't know how to do something, people really want to help. That's what made me want to join," she said. 

Enlisting in the Air Force would also provide financial stability, education benefits and the opportunity to become an American citizen, she added. 

While in the U.S. she met with an Air Force recruiter who told her she was too close to the cutoff age of 28. It seemed her chances of enlisting in the Air Force were slim. 

Disheartened, the couple returned to Italy. Her husband's commander at Camp Darby, however, heard about Cristina's struggles to enlist in the Air Force and decided to lend a hand. The commander met with her and wrote a letter of recommendation which helped her to enlist. 

Not long after, Mark retired from the Air Force and Cristina left for basic training. Her graduation in 2008 was met with pride and respect from her parents, her husband and all the friends she'd made at Camp Darby. 

"My family didn't think that I could make it but I proved them all wrong," she said with a smile. "It's was a challenge for me, especially with the language barrier and because everything American was new to me." 

Langley is Airman Bennett's first duty station and she admits that although it's been difficult, she would do everything all over again in a heartbeat. 

At first working in the 1st Force Support Squadron as separations and reenlistments clerk, reading documents and filling out paperwork intimidated her, she said. She credits her superintendent, supervisor and also her sponsor for helping her. 

Master Sgt. Rudolph Warner, non-commissioned officer in charge of 1 FSS reenlistments, separations and special actions, describes Airman Bennett as professional and dedicated. 

"I've had an Airman from a foreign country before and my years spent overseas makes it easier for me to understand her," he said. "Her maturity is also a plus to the work environment." 

Mark's military background also alleviates a lot of challenges Airman Bennett may face being from a different culture, said Sergeant Warner. 

Airman Bennett currently lives on base alone; Mark works overseas as a contractor, doing the same job he did while on active-duty. He hopes to get a job near Langley soon. The couple keeps in touch every day. 

"Hearing his voice is encouraging, it keeps me in check. I'm all I am because of everything he's taught me," Airman Bennett said. 

In her free time she enjoys cooking, taking care of her house and running with her black lab Slash, who she brought from Romania. 

"Life in America is much better, I really appreciate the way people treat each other. I miss my parents and Romania, but I don't miss how people are treated there," she said. 

In December, Airman Bennett will apply for her American citizenship. She has full support from her husband, family and squadron. 

"We are supporting Airman Bennett by allowing her as much time as necessary to accomplish any steps toward achieving citizenship," said Sergeant Warner. 

"I love my work place and working with the customers," Airman Bennett said. "Every day is interesting because I get to meet people who are on their way out of the Air Force or choosing to stay in. 

"Joining the Air Force was the best opportunity to improve my life," she added. "I make mistakes and am still learning but I'm always positive. It was the right thing for me to do. I hope to make the Air Force a career."