Deployed Sledgehammer soldiers become citizens

Photo By Sgt. Christopher Johnston | Spc. Deno Harold and Spc. Ian Desengano, both assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, listen to Kenneth Ellis, overseas adjudications officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services, before reciting the Oath of Citizenship of the United States of America. Harold and Desengano were two of seven soldiers who became U.S. citizens during a Third Army/ARCENT Naturalization ceremony held at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 19.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

09.19.2012

Story by Sgt. Christopher Johnston 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Seven soldiers from seven different countries became American citizens at the Third Army/ARCENT Naturalization Ceremony held Sept. 19, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

Three of the seven soldiers serve with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division; Spc. Ian Desengano who hails from the Philippines, Spc. Deno Harold from Guyana, and Spc. Yamilet Terry from Mexico.

Brig. Gen. Charles L. Taylor, Third Army/ARCENT chief of staff, addressed the soldiers before they recited the Oath of Citizenship of the United States of America, and became U.S. citizens.

“I can’t tell any of you about what commitment is,” said Taylor. “Your personal commitment to this American dream knows that this is a journey, not a destination.”

The oath was administered by Kevin Ellis, overseas adjudications officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Rome field office.

After reciting the oath and becoming an American citizen, Desengano said he will strive to “be an example of a great American, and set an example for the next people who want to be Americans.”

With the presidential election coming in November, these seven soldiers now have the ability to participate in the elections for the first time.

“Being able to vote is very important to me,” said Terry. “I believe that every vote counts and I want my vote to count.”

The ceremony ended with the seven new citizens and nearly 100 soldiers in attendance reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and a video message from President Barack Obama.

• Date Taken: 09.19.2012
• Date Posted: 09.21.2012 11:02
• Story ID: 95098
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW