Photo By Staff Sgt. Alfred V. Lopez | U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jennifer Nadine May Elder, a logistics vehicle systems operator...... read more read more
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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Helmand province, Afghanistan – Thousands of immigrants from nations across the globe become American citizens every year.
Only a few have the honor to fight for their adopted nation before earning the right to become a citizen of the United States.
Even fewer have the courage to join the Marines Corps in that fight.
Three Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, all coming from different walks of life, were naturalized as American citizens here, Feb. 10.
These Marines became American citizens in a foreign land, during a time of war; a unique experience, and one that further illustrates their commitment to their adopted nation.
With the promise of liberty and great opportunity not available in many other countries, America has long been a destination for those seeking for a better life.
Corporal Aphideth Os, a motor transportation mechanic with MWSS-371 and 21-year-old native of St. Louis, Miss., doesn’t recall many details of his trip to America.
Born in Vietnam, Os was only a year old when his mother decided to move to the U.S. with hopes of finding a better life for her children.
“My mom told me that she was trying to find a better life,” said Os. “She travelled by foot from Vietnam to Thailand. [From there] my uncle sponsored us to move to the States.”
Lance Cpl. Jennifer Nadine May Elder, a logistics vehicle systems operator with MWSS-371 and 20-year-old native of Rockwall, Texas, emigrated from Portsmouth, England, to Rockwall, Texas, in 1998 with her parents, when job opportunities led the family to the U.S.
“My dad’s work was transferred to Texas and my mom became a police officer there,” explained Elder.
Lance Cpl. Davi Marcos De Padua Silva, a bulk fuel specialist with MWSS-371 and 20-year-old native of Boston, was 9 years old when his family immigrated to America from Paraiso Do Tocantins, Brazil.
“My dad had the opportunity to come to America,” recalled Silva. “He figured that it would be a better life for his family.”
Few American citizens volunteer to fight on the frontlines for their country, and even fewer choose to do so as an immigrant. These Marines chose to give back to their adopted nation, for all the opportunities America has given to them.
For Elder, her inspiration to join the Marine Corps came before she even set foot on American soil. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Elder was firm in her decision to become a Marine.
“When I was little, I used to see Marines all the time traveling between embassies,” explained Elder. “And while growing up, when I saw the 9/11 attacks I decided to join.”
Os and Silva were drawn to the challenges that come with being a part of the Marine Corps’ elite brotherhood.
“I wanted to do something challenging with my life,” said Os. “I figured I would join the military, so I started looking through the different branches. I chose the Marine Corps because I wanted to be challenged.”
“I’ve wanted to join the military since I was in the 11th grade,” said Silva. “And I wanted to join the toughest branch, so I joined the Marine Corps.”
Being naturalized as American citizens has been a reward for these Marines, but giving back to their country is a not only their duty, but has become a privilege as well.
“It feels great to give back to America,” said Os. “It feels great giving back to a country that’s given me so many opportunities.”
“I feel good [about fighting for America],” said Silva. “I feel like I’m giving back for the better life that the country has been able to give to my family.”
America adopted these Marines. Now, they’re not fighting for just their “adopted country”, they’re fighting for their home.
“It feels right to fight for America,” said Elder. “I’ve never thought of it as an adopted nation; I’ve always thought of it as my home.”
| Date Taken: | 02.14.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.14.2012 05:10 |
| Story ID: | 83815 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, HELMAND PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 395 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Serving America: MWSS Marines earn their citizenship in Afghanistan, by SSgt Alfred V. Lopez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
