Fort Hood troopers gains US citizenship

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Jhan Moreno (center) received his certificate of citizenship from Eric Holman (left), supervisory immigration services officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with 3rd Cavalry Regiment commander Col. Kevin Admiral at a naturalization ceremony on Fort Hood Aug. 18, 2015.  

FORT HOOD, OR, UNITED STATES

08.17.2015

Story by Maj. Vance Trenkel 

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

FORT HOOD, Texas – Three Fort Hood soldiers gained their U.S. Citizenship in a naturalization ceremony at the Oveta Culp Hobby Soldier and Family Readiness center here Tuesday. Spc. Jhan Moreno from Colombia, Pvt. Seyoung Kwon from South Korea and Pvt. Raphael Magpantay (IronHawk Troop, Thunder Squadron, 3rd CR) from the Philippines, all raised their right hand and took the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.

Col. Kevin Admiral, 3rd Cavalry Regiment commander, was the key note speaker for the ceremony. “By joining the military, these young men have showcased a quintessential American impulse, and that’s helping others in need,” said Admiral. Admiral thanked the three Soldiers for their service and their patriotism, specifically, because they served before they were even citizens.

Leaders and Soldiers from across the 1st Cavalry Division came to support the new Americans.

Moreno said he was overjoyed to finally gain citizenship. “It means everything to me,” said Moreno, an air frame mechanic for the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade. “I’ve been here for 16 years and I finally get to say I’m an American.”

Kwon is a cavalry scout with 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Combat Brigade, and said he always wanted to be in the U.S. Army. “Today means a lot, because I’m actually a citizen of the Army I fight for,” Kwon said.

Not only was the ceremony attended by Soldiers, but Magpantay’s mother and sister were there at the event as well.

“He used to be so skinny; the Army has made him a lot buffer,” said Magpantay’s sister, Trisha. Magpantay graduated from basic infantry combat training just a few months ago.

“I’m very proud of him,” said Magpantay’s mother, Jema. “He’s serving a good country and I’m happy he chose this career.” Magpantay’s Family is from Quezon City, Philippines. He was assigned to Ironhawk Troop, “Thunder” Squadron, 3rd CR, where he serves as a dismounted rifleman for a Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Magpantay said he joined the Army for stability for his wife and child, who are still in the Philippines. When asked what the best part of serving is, he said “My battle buddies.”

The ceremony was completed with a special recorded message from President Barack Obama to new Americans who have gained their citizenship through military service. The entire crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance and everyone congratulated the nation’s newest citizens.

• Date Taken: 08.17.2015
• Date Posted: 08.24.2015 17:29
• Story ID: 174095
• Location: FORT HOOD, OR, US