CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq — Spc. Nixon Gabriel Collaguazo Munoz wants to stay in the Army until he retires, but first he has to become a U.S. citizen.
The 22-year-old from Ecuador will become a U.S. citizen, along with many other Soldiers, during an upcoming naturalization ceremony in Baghdad at Victory Base, Iraq.
Munoz followed his mother to the U.S. in July 2002, and he joined the Army to repay the U.S. for all that it has done for him and his mother.
"[I joined] to serve and give back for what this country is giving me," Munoz said.
Munoz drives heavy equipment transport vehicles for the Army in the 353rd Transportation Co., 30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade. The 353rd Transportation Co. is an Army Reserve unit from Buffalo, Minn.
Munoz lived in Brooklyn Park, Minn., before the deployment. In his free time he reads science fiction books and plays video games.
Munoz said becoming a citizen has been a lifelong goal, and he's grateful to everyone that's helped him.
"I feel that I've accomplished what I've always wanted," he said. "I just want to say 'thank you' to everyone for making this possible."
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