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    Peru native becomes citizen during mass naturalization at Baghdad

    Peru native becomes citizen during mass naturalization at Baghdad

    Courtesy Photo | Spc. Jorge Flores, a native of Lima, Peru, shakes hands with Gen. Raymond T. Odierno,...... read more read more

    BAGHDAD, IRAQ

    07.04.2009

    Story by 1st Lt. Jennifer Dyrcz 

    16th Sustainment Brigade

    VICTORY BASE COMPLEX, Iraq — Spc. Jorge Flores, a native of Lima, Peru, became a U.S. citizen during a mass naturalization ceremony with 273 other Soldiers in Al Faw Palace here July 4.

    For Flores, who became a citizen on Independence Day, with the U.S. Vice President, Joseph R. Biden Jr., and Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commanding general, Multi-National Force — Iraq, in attendance, said the ceremony was extra special for him.

    "Wow, I can't believe I did it," said Flores. "And shaking hands with the Vice President and Gen. Odierno felt good."

    Flores, human resources specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, moved to the U.S. in 2003. Encouraged by his American friends, he wanted citizenship to be more like them, and he said his parents would be very proud to have an American for a son.

    It can take many years for the average immigrant to work through the civilian citizenship process; however, after the first day of serving in the military a Soldier can apply. It takes an average of six months for a Soldier to gain his or her citizenship through military channels.

    Flores has served a total of two years in the military; he is currently deployed to Contingency Operating Site Marez-East, Iraq, on a 15-month tour.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.04.2009
    Date Posted: 08.31.2009 02:43
    Story ID: 38137
    Location: BAGHDAD, IQ

    Web Views: 175
    Downloads: 107

    PUBLIC DOMAIN