CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - A Soldier took another step in a journey that started while fleeing Laos in 1979 with his family due to their assistance to the U.S. Forces in a conflict within their country by showing them how to use the terrain to their advantage in combat.
Spc. Vilay Yang gained his U.S. citizenship after years of having a green card and living in the U.S. He was born in Laos shortly before his family fled, and then moved to Wausau, Wis.
Yang wanted to get his citizenship in order to further his military career as well as gain other citizenship-granted rights, such as the right to vote, access to social services, and other benefits such as getting a job easier. Back home, he has a daughter, and foster parents Pattie and Joe Filak, who are proud of his newly-acquired citizenship.
Yang joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 2002 as a Chemical Operations Specialist, and then re-classed as a Unit Supply Specialist for this deployment. He joined the Reserves to travel and was crossed-leveled from the 687th Combat Sustainment Support. He is currently stationed in Camp Victory, and was flown down to Camp Arifjan for his naturalization ceremony.
Yang said, "It made me feel happy and relieved to finally get my citizenship after 10 years of effort."
"It was rewarding", says Capt. Crystal Tate, HHC, 620th CSSB commander. "I remember when he first applied for naturalization, and I watched it unfold for him."
| Date Taken: |
08.28.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
08.28.2009 12:11 |
| Story ID: |
38072 |
| Location: |
CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: |
344 |
| Downloads: |
287 |
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