U.S. Soldiers proud to become citizens

Photo By Staff Sgt. Andrea Merritt | Seven Soldiers of the 168th Brigade Support Battalion, a Fort Sill, Okla., unit, attached to the 1st Sustainment Brigade, in support of Multi-National Division - Baghdad, pose together after the naturalization ceremony April 12 at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad. They were among the 260 service members granted U.S. citizenship during the ceremony.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.18.2008

Story by Sgt. Andrea Merritt 

1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade

Spc. Andrea Merritt

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — "Melting pot" is a term used by the United States to describe all of the different cultures, races and religions that come together to make up its nation – and its military as well.

Even though every Soldier bears a U.S. Army branch tape on their uniforms, not all of the Soldiers in its ranks are U.S. citizens.

This was true for seven Soldiers of the 168th Brigade Support Battalion, a Fort Sill, Okla., unit attached to the 1st Sustainment Brigade, in support of Multi-National Division – Baghdad, until they decided to undergo the naturalization process to become citizens of the United States of America.

"I guessed since I was serving in the Army, I had a right to become a citizen. I already felt like I was part of the country, and I wanted to go all the way," said Sgt. Omar Ramirez, a native of Ecuador and a transportation coordinator with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 168th BSB.

Ramirez has been serving in the Army for seven years. He joined shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

"I was in Ecuador when Sept. 11 happened. I got to the States the next month, but when I saw in the news what happened – I saw so many innocent people got killed. I thought I just want to do something to change things, even just a little bit. I thought joining the Army was a way to do something about it," Ramirez said.

Ramirez and six other Soldiers from the battalion began the naturalization process a few months after their unit arrived to Iraq.

"On average, it has taken about six months out here – but that's way better than back home, where it takes at least two years," said Cpl. Louis Craig, a paralegal noncommissioned officer from Company A, 1st Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery, who is currently attached to the 168th BSB.

Since the Soldiers had green cards and were in a deployed status, the process was expedited. They had to fill out three different forms, undergo background checks and interview with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services via webcam.

"They pretty much have to account for the last five years of their life: where they've lived, where they've worked. They have to come up with information, not only for themselves, but their Family members. It's a lot of paperwork," Craig stated.

Although it was a lot of paperwork, the Soldiers said they felt it was worth the effort.

"I've always liked the military. Ever since I was in high school, I told my mom I was going to join," said Pfc. Sergio Cedeno, a unit supply specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 168th BSB.

"I was 17 when I graduated high school, and she didn't want to sign, so I went to college for two years. Then I decided to join. I said, 'Now I can sign; I'm going to join'," said Cedeno, who was born in the Dominican Republic but raised in Puerto Rico.

Finally, after months of paperwork, background checks and interviews with USCIS, the Soldiers were granted their citizenship.

During an all-military naturalization ceremony April 12 at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, the Soldiers were rendered the oath of citizenship and officially became U.S. citizens.

"The ceremony was really nice. It surprised me. I saw a lot of people getting their citizenship. There were 260 Soldiers from everywhere in Iraq in different (forward operating bases)," said Ramirez. "That what's the beautiful part in this Army – the variety. I saw people from Africa, from South America, people from everywhere. That was really nice."

Even though they are U.S. citizens now, they said they will always hold their place of origin close to them.

"You know what you are. Nobody can change that. It's not like because I became a U.S. citizen, I'm going to forget where I came from or my country," Cedeno said.

Since becoming citizens, the 168th BSB Soldiers are starting to see benefits of their decision.

"When you're not a citizen, you can not apply for a security clearance and you're not allowed to work in certain places. So being a citizen opened a lot of doors – a lot of job opportunities in the Army," said Ramirez. "I feel the United States is my home now.

"I'm proud to be a citizen!"

• Date Taken: 05.18.2008
• Date Posted: 05.18.2008 10:41
• Story ID: 19560
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ