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, commanding general, Multi-National Force-Iraq, after becoming a U.S. citizen during a mass naturalization ceremony in Al Faw Palace at Victory Base Complex, Iraq, July 4. Flores, human resources specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, said he became a citizen to make his parents proud.  

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.

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