Those of us who have never had to confirm our American citizenship do not stop to think about those who have never had to prove theirs. We are citizens, and we know we are, but someone who always thought he was but is not has a burden.

Alan Riley, owner of Dugan’s Pub, in Pinehurst, always thought that he was an American citizen. He has lived and conducted himself as one, and through circumstances unknown to him, he recently discovered that he is not.

Alan was born abroad to foreign parents, immigrated to the United States at the age of 9 with his mother (who married an American serviceman), grew up in the Fayetteville area and was legally adopted by his then-stepfather. He truly believed that the adoption ratified his American citizenship.

Not so! Apparently, his citizenship became embroiled within government red tape. Today, Alan is trying to retrieve whatever information he can to substantiate that he is a citizen of the United States of America.

His is the story of a good citizen embroiled in the paperwork of trying to establish what is rightfully his. He was always told he was a citizen and lived and conducted himself as a good citizen, only to find out that the government lists him in a world of forgotten paperwork.

Alan has given abundantly to our community and to any and all who asked him for their help. This is a time that he needs help from all of us who know and support him. Please send a letter or make a phone call to our representatives about what you feel should be done to help Alan.

Beverly and Ted Shebs

Pinehurst