Servicemembers live American dream, become citizens

Photo By Spc. Mary Ferguson | Servicemembers recite the Soldier's Creed moments after officially becoming U.S. Citizens during the May 12 Citizenship Ceremony on Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Balad, Iraq.  

05.19.2006

Courtesy Story

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While most servicemembers and civilians throughout Iraq spent May 12 focused on their daily operations, 123 of the approximately 45,000 non-U.S. citizens who join them in defending our country made that day memorable by officially completing a monumental mission of patriotic proportion, reminding all those who may have forgotten â?¦ being an "American" is an immeasurable privilege.

These servicemembers raised their right hands and took an oath of allegiance to the values embodied in the flag they proudly bear on that same shoulder as they earned their U.S. citizenship during a ceremony held in the Sustainer Theater on Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

The ceremony was the second of its kind held on LSA Anaconda and the fifth hosted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for servicemembers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

A video presentation filled with inspirational quotes and photographs opened the ceremony, inviting the capacity-sized crowd to join in an event that would provide something similar, yet incredibly different for each new citizen.

Following a welcome by Col. Mark Hampton, the 35th Area Support Group commander, Spc. Elisha Hormon of the 563rd Aviation Battalion's Company B, continued to contribute to the patriotic atmosphere as she sang the National Anthem.

Heads then bowed as Capt. Michael Williams, the 181st Transportation Battalion chaplain, offered the ceremony's invocation.

Eyes rose to keynote speaker Col. Jannett Jackson, the 40th Corps Support Group commander, as she delivered words of praise, encouragement and recognition to the servicemembers, while also sharing stories of the dedication, commitment and drive that warranted their citizenship candidacy.

Jackson highlighted the diversity among the ceremony's subjects, reflecting the differences embraced by the freedom associated with being "American."

"Of the 123 servicemembers standing before you, 72 percent are male and 28 percent are female," Jackson explained. "Their ages range from 18 to 57, with more than 50 percent between the ages of 18 and 26. They represent 52 countries â?¦ from South America to Europe â?¦ to the Middle East â?¦and speak 18 different languages."

Each of them has a story behind why they are standing here today, ranging from job opportunities and future potential, to family interests and personal pride, she added.
"I was born in Pakistan," said Sgt. Sajid Malik of the 322nd Maintenance Company. "I came to the United States in 1998 solely for education purposes, and I never thought that I would make the United States my home, but September 11 changed that. I'm a Muslim â?¦ I wanted to bring some change. I wanted to prove that not every Muslim is a terrorist, so I changed my college major to criminal justice and joined the military."

"It [citizenship] means a lot," Malik explained just moments after becoming a U.S. citizen. "I worked so hard for so many years, and then finally I joined my comrades in arms, which allowed me this opportunity, and now I'll be able to help my younger sister. She wants to be a doctor, and now I can help her come to the U.S."

Similar to Malik, many of the candidates were fueled by the multiple benefits involved in gaining U.S. citizenship.

• Date Taken: 05.19.2006
• Date Posted: 05.19.2006 04:01
• Story ID: 6433