Missileer lives his American Dream

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Charles Munoz
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

1st Lt. Adeniyi Adewuyi, Assistant Flight Commander in the 319th Missile Squadron, was born in southwest Nigeria, in a city called Ilesha of Osun State. He was born in December 1986 as the fifth of six children.

With his attribution to God, the help of his parents and his desire to provide security for his family, Adewuyi was able to learn English, become a permanent resident of the United States and ultimately join the ranks of the world’s greatest Air Force.

“I give thanks to God whenever I look at my living situation in the United States compared to Nigeria,” said Adewuyi. “Even though Nigeria is where I was born and had spent over 20 years of my life, I feel a greater sense of comfort and security living in the United States. Granted, I would have succeeded by God’s grace despite my location.”

Adewuyi’s parents suffered financially while raising him. Nevertheless, they still managed to send him to high-ranked junior and senior secondary schools where he learned to speak English and interact with other people pursuing an education. Adewuyi was motivated to pursue his education by his parents, who taught him that having an education was vital for a successful future.

He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Earth Science in December 2010 from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. He decided to pursue this degree since the people in his community struggled with environmental problems such as water contamination and insufficient drinking water. Adewuyi helped supply drinking water to people without a clean water supply during an internship.

Citizenship in the United States became possible for Adewuyi after his father filed for his entire family to obtain citizenship.

“It was a good feeling coming to the United States because of the numerous opportunities available to everyone who wants to succeed,” said Adewuyi.

He then proceeded to get a master’s degree before enlisting into the U.S. Air Force August 30, 2016, in gratitude for the opportunities the United States has provided him and his family. His goal when joining was to learn his specialty, embrace the core values, follow and lead people and make the greatest positive impact on his Airmen.

“The Air Force core values are not that different from the norms and values my parents have been instilling in me since I was little,” said Adewuyi. “It is a beautiful family to be a part of. It is a place where you can have dreams and see those dreams come true.”

Adewuyi was selected in 2017 by Air Force Global Strike Command to be recognized as one of the Inspirational Airmen for the Senior Leader Conference. He was coined by the AFGSC commander, vice commander and command chief master sergeant for his enthusiasm while working at the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

He commissioned in 2019 and continued working at F.E. Warren Air Force Base as a nuclear and missile operations officer, where he works on the front lines of strategic nuclear deterrence.
Adewuyi is now motivated to succeed by his desire to provide for his children.

“I’ve been married to my wife for seven years, and we now have three beautiful children,” said Adewuyi. “Thinking back to the many opportunities I did not get as a child growing up, my goal ultimately is to give my children more than I ever received. For my children, I try to provide for them, within reasonable accommodations, to avoid the feelings I felt growing up.”

Adewuyi’s ability to afford nice things for his family is a privilege he does not take for granted. He believes that failing personally would fail the rest of his family, so he pursues the American Dream with his Air Force career while keeping his family in mind.

“The opportunities within the Air Force cater to men and women of various backgrounds with so many career paths to choose from,” said Adewuyi. “The possibilities can be endless if you allow yourself to dream about them.”