OKINAWA, Japan - Stern but proud faces stared at the flag of their new nation as each walked across the stage one-by-one to accept the certificate granting them the rights of a U.S. citizen.
This was the scene at the naturalization ceremony for 60 service members and civilians at the Camp Foster theater May 18.
To become a U.S. Citizen, they were tested on reading, writing, speaking basic English, and were required to have a knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Normally, new citizens must live in the U.S. for five years. However, for those serving in the armed forces, the time requirement decreases to one year, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization website.
Hailing from islands throughout the Pacific, across the Middle East and all over Europe, the latest addition of citizens knew this would be an important moment in their lives. They can now call themselves U.S. citizens.
“It is a great feeling to become a U.S. citizen,” said Sgt. Dean R. English, an airframes quality assurance representative with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “Becoming a citizen has opened a lot of doors in the Marine Corps and in the civilian sector.”
English was not the only one celebrating his new citizenship. Sgt. Smith H. Chadwick, a collateral duty inspector with VMGR–152, was also proud of his new nationality.
“It definitely feels good,” said Chadwick. “I have the same chance at getting a job as everyone else now. As a U.S. citizen my horizon for success has definitely been widened.”
| Date Taken: |
05.18.2012 |
| Date Posted: |
05.24.2012 03:49 |
| Story ID: |
88912 |
| Location: |
OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: |
56 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, SOFA personnel become newest naturalized U.S. citizens, by LCpl Ian McMahon, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Subscribe
