By: Pfc. Laura M. Bigenho
42nd Military Police Brigade, PAO
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- When Sgt. Julius Nkemayim enlisted as a U.S. Soldier in 1997, he was thrilled to be serving with what he considered to be the greatest nation on earth. Born and raised in Cameroon, West Africa, it was his childhood dream to become a Soldier.
Encouraged by his father to follow his dream, Nkemayim immigrated to the United States, and exactly eight years later, accomplished an even greater feat.
Today Nkemayim, an automated logistics specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash., stands tall and proclaims, "I am proud to be an American."
Nkemayim's long, arduous journey came to an end outside of a palace in Baghdad, where he took the "Oath of Citizenship" before a group of his comrades.
"I've been waiting for this a long time," Nkemayim said. "This is a very happy day for me."
Nkemayim came to the United States largely by luck and his father's influence. He entered his visa application into a lottery drawing, and ended up being selected.
"I always wanted to experience life in America. It was something my father wanted me to accomplish. He saw the benefits that came with being a U.S. citizen, so he pushed me to be a citizen," Nkemayim said.
Nkemayim stayed with distant relatives for a few months, and then he joined the U.S. Army. During this time, he witnessed firsthand the benefits his father spoke to him about. However, in many ways Nkemayim wasn't able to enjoy them. He quickly found himself in a frustrating position.
"I was a Soldier wearing the same uniform as U.S. citizens, trained and ready to fight for America, but I was not an American. I remember being at my first duty assignment. I could not go into some areas without carrying a badge simply because I was a non-citizen," Nkemayim said.
As time went on, Nkemayim grew more determined with each obstacle. He started filling out paperwork during his tour in Korea, but by the time they went through, he had orders to return to the United States. He eventually deployed to Iraq, and encountered other hurdles that further prevented him from getting his citizenship.
"Within three months of arriving (in the U.S.), I was trusted enough by the government to bear arms and defend the nation, but not able to be granted U.S. citizenship," Nkemayim said. "It just isn't right. U.S. citizenship should be automatic with service in the military; at least after having put in some time," he added.
When you're over here fighting as a member of the U.S. Army, "it takes on a lot more meaning when you actually belong to the country that you are risking giving your life for," said Sgt. Sh"voda Gregory, coworker and friend of Nkemayim, HHC.
Although recent events in Nkemayim's life have been upsetting, he has managed to keep his composure and upbeat attitude. Nkemayim's greatest motivator, his father, recently passed away, leaving him to celebrate the good news deep inside while grieving his loss.
"No matter what's going on, (Nkemayim) always has a way of looking at things in a positive light," Gregory said. "When the rest of us are mad, he is the one who is walking around singing and laughing, no matter what's going on in his life."
Nkemayim's positive attitude carries over into his high hopes for the future. He plans to wed his fiancé and spend more time with his 3-year-old "Little African Princess," Angel, while exploring an array of newfound possibilities as a U.S. citizen.
With over eight years of experience as a professional Soldier, certification as a fiber optic technician, and a strong appreciation for what life has to offer, Nkemayim's prospects are promising.
"I am proud to say that I am an American fighting for the forces that guard our country and our way of life, but it's time that I move on," Nkemayim said. "Being a true, professional Soldier for eight years has been one of my greatest accomplishments, but to finally get my U.S. citizenship is an even bigger accomplishment, and I'm ready to take advantage of the opportunities that go with it."
| Date Taken: | 07.25.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 07.25.2005 15:27 |
| Story ID: | 2480 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 32 |
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