Four U.S. service members become U.S. citizens during Balikatan 2009

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Cristina Bates | (From left to right) Hospitalman Renny Vitug, combat corpsman, combat engineer platoon, 31 BLT, Hospitalman Mario Vinoya, hospital corpsman dental technician, CLB 31, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney, Lance Cpl. Jose Rodriguez Peralta, combat engineer, combat engineer platoon, 31 BLT, Hospitalman Renny Vitug, combat corpsman, 31 BLT and Hospitalman Jin Lin, CLB 31 celebrate after the four service members became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Embassy here April 27. It was the first naturalization of U.S. active duty military members to take place in the Philippines.  

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

04.28.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Cristina Bates 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

MANILA, Philippines — Since the founding of the United States, immigrants have played a huge role in the dynamic and diversity of the nation. With each new generation of immigrants come new ideas and great contributions to American society.

During a naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Embassy here, three sailors and one Marine from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit officially became U.S. citizens April 27.

In 2003, former U.S. President George W. Bush signed an executive order allowing the naturalization of active duty military members to take place outside the U.S. This ceremony marked the first of its kind to take place in the Philippines.

To become citizens of the U.S., applicants must undergo an interview to determine honorable service in the U.S. military and must have demonstrated good moral character for one year. They must also speak, read and write in the English language, understand U.S. government and history and must be willing to swear allegiance to the U.S.

The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie A. Kenney, expressed her happiness and excitement for the U.S. gaining four citizens who answered the call to duty even before their naturalization.

"Being an American citizen means more than love of country," said Kenney. "It means being a good citizen, a voter, respectful of laws and rules and being willing to stand up for our country, just as these four gentlemen are now doing."

After reciting the oath of citizenship, Kenneth J. Sherman, acting U.S.C.I.S. field office director, Manila, officially announced the service members' new status as U.S. citizens.

Though they have sworn to be loyal to the U.S., it does not mean abandoning their roots. The culture they bring with them adds to a heritage that makes the U.S. unique.

"Being an American citizen does not mean losing our roots. We are a nation of people who trace our heritage to other nations," said Kenney. "As the four of you take the oath of citizenship, I am proud you've chosen the United States to be your home. I hope you will never forget the culture, heritage and riches of your countries of birth."

Hospitalman Jin Lin, hospital corpsman, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, said he felt brand-new and accomplished after giving up his Chinese citizenship to become a U.S. citizen.

Lance Cpl. Jose Rodriguez Peralta, combat engineer, combat engineer platoon, 31 Battalion Landing Team, also felt a high sense of pride and accomplishment. He was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and moved to Dallas, Texas, as a child. Now, after fulfilling his dream of becoming a U.S. Marine, he is proud to be able to be called a citizen of the country he defends.

"I have always wanted to do my part and serve. I felt like I was needed, so I joined," said Rodriguez Peralta. "It feels great to be a citizen."

For two of them, the day was especially meaningful. Hospitalman Mario Vinoya, dental technician, CLB 31 and Hospitalman Renny Vitug, combat corpsman with combat engineer platoon, 31 BLT, are Philippine natives. The opportunity to be declared U.S. citizens on their native soil added to the rush of emotions they felt.

"I feel special that I was part of the first ceremony here. It's kind of overwhelming and people we didn't even know were here and happy for us. It's awesome," said Vitug, who now calls Long Beach, Calif., home.

Vinoya, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday on May 5, said this is the best birthday gift he has received. He moved to Anchorage, Alaska, when he was 17 and in his search for a career path, he discovered and joined the U.S. Navy. So far, that decision has given him a chance to visit places he never imagined and brought him back to the Philippines for Balikatan.

"This is still my homeland and my heart still belongs here. I still have Filipino blood running through me," said Vinoya. "This has been one of my dreams and one of the reasons I joined the U.S. Navy. I think there is a lot I can offer the U.S. I have more pride in serving now and I know my family is proud. Dreams do come true!"

The four have been in the Republic of the Philippines for Balikatan 2009, a two-week joint training even between the RP and U.S. designed to ensure military readiness in the event of natural disaster and other humanitarian assistance needs. Throughout the event, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. forces have worked together during medical, dental, and engineering civic military operations.

• Date Taken: 04.28.2009
• Date Posted: 04.28.2009 06:26
• Story ID: 32950
• Location: MANILA, PH