Indiana National Guard Soldier to gain U.S. citizenship while deployed in Afghanistan

Photo By Staff Sgt. William Henry | Indiana National Guard Soldier, Spc. Oscar Segovia, Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Division, participates in an after action review of a convoy exercise at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, June, 28. Originally from Mexico, Segovia is scheduled to receive full U.S. citizenship during his deployment with Task Force Cyclone in Afghanistan sometime in the next year.  

CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, UNITED STATES

06.28.2009

Story by Spc. William Henry 

Indiana National Guard Headquarters

CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind. - An Indiana National Guard Soldier with Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Division, is scheduled to gain his citizenship during his deployment to Afghanistan with Task Force Cyclone sometime in the next year.

Currently an Indianapolis resident, Spc. Oscar Segovia has only a few things to do before completing the process of gaining full U.S. citizenship.

Originally from Satillo, a city in Coahuila, Mexico, he says he's optimistic about his upcoming assignment.

"I'm looking forward to the new experiences, learning new things and visiting a different culture," he said.

Since becoming a U.S. resident in 2000, he said he's learned about a new culture here and what it's like being a Soldier.

"I've learned about personal space, to confront people when they're wrong and to stand for my family and loved ones. I have learned the ability to mingle with different people, find out who they are and learn different aspects people may have," he said.

He said he wanted to join the military for the many opportunities it provided, to include, paid college to finish his degree in the automotive field and the prospect of obtaining full citizenship.

The 24-year-old light wheeled mechanic said he's proud of what he does.

"I've always been attracted to fixing stuff and I like to use my hands. I like the accomplishment of completing something good," he said. "It's what I've been taught to by my senior non-commissioned officers."

He said he works hard and learns from mistakes just like everyone else and teaches those entering in the field under him the knowledge he's acquired. "To gain something for one's self is not just to work for it; it is to earn it through work," he added.

"I feel pride for doing the right thing," he said. "Not everything is easy but at least I can have people thank me on the streets when I'm in uniform."

He said he believes every person is different but everyone can work together to accomplish anything we set our minds to.

"Brothers and sisters with different skin colors and different races with the same heart will work hard to complete the mission."

• Date Taken: 06.28.2009
• Date Posted: 06.29.2009 23:24
• Story ID: 35769
• Location: CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, US