Photo By Sgt. Paul Holston | Service members recite the Pledge of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony held...... read more read more
BAGHDAD — Forty-five service members earned their U.S. citizenship through their service to the nation during the twentieth and final naturalization ceremony held in Al Faw Palace, here on Independence Day.
Many service members and civilians from across Iraq filled the rotunda, showing their support for these new Americans. In total, 3,400 service members have gained their citizenship in Iraq over the last 6 years.
Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general of United States Forces-Iraq, spoke to the service members before they recited the oath, highlighting the selfless service they have given the country.
“Ever since the United States declared its independence, immigrants have been proudly and eagerly serving in our formations,” Austin said. “Our country has always valued their service. All service members, whether citizens or immigrants, have sworn to be true to the United States of America.”
There are 45 men and women here today- each with their own story, Austin said. “Many of them have lived most of their lives in the United States. They have grown up reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in their schools and they acquired the language and mannerisms of Americans. They have always been American at heart. And today, we simply formalize that feeling.”
Staff Sgt. Orlando Torres, a native of Belize City, Belize, said, “It’s like a combination of feelings. You have a mixture of excitement, nervousness because you know this is your day and it’s finally going to happen.”
Torres, the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of Joint Base Balad’s dental clinic with 673rd Medical Company, 44th Med. Brigade, is on his fourth deployment and to him, becoming naturalized is more than an honor, especially here in Iraq.
“I’m doing this for my family of course, and when the whole career progression comes into play, you can do more as an American,” Torres said. “After this, I’m turning in my packet to be a recruiter. One of the requirements is you have to be a U.S citizen. I'm also working on my bachelor’s degree to be a physical therapist. This opportunity just brings and opens many doors for me.”
Spc. Czarina Rodriguez, a native of Bulacan, Philippines, said that doing this was great not only because it’s Independence Day, but also because she is here in Iraq, a place she never thought she would be receiving her citizenship.
“America is a great country,” said Rodriguez, a medical lab specialist for the Golby Treatment Mecial Clinic with 547th Medical Company, Task Force 804th Med. “Being in the Philippines, I’ve seen the poverty here and there. When I went to the U.S., I had seen how organized and prosperous it was. It’s sad how some take the freedom there for granted.”
Spc. Delroy Smith, a native of Spanish Town, Jamaica, a track vehicle repairer with 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, said it felt awesome being able to meet the USF-I commanding general as well as everyone, including higher command, congratulating him. Smith also was the chosen service member who led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance during the ceremony.
“This opens a lot of windows for me. When I reenlist, I’ll be able to have more job options,” Smith said. “Getting naturalized also allows me to file for my mother so that she can come to America too, as well as my sister. I did it because of my family. I want to provide better opportunities for them.”
Originally coming from many different parts of the world, these new American citizens will now be a part of the country that is known for being the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave’.
“There are only a few moments where we can look back and say ‘that day was a special day that changed my life,’” said Austin. “I am certain that this will be one of those moments for you. Many men and women wish to become American citizens, but few actually make it.”
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2011 04:17 |
| Story ID: | 73330 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 1,346 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Service members become US citizens in final Iraq ceremony, by SGT Paul Holston, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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