CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – A Palmdale, Calf., native Adriana Smith, a staff sergeant in the Army became a United States citizen Aug. 3, 2008, at a naturalization ceremony held here.
Smith, a motor vehicle operator with the 257th Transportation Company based out of Las Vegas, is originally from Mexico and is currently serving her second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Like the rest of the service members, Smith was inspired to become a citizen of the country she pledged to protect when she enlisted in the service.
"It's great to know as a citizen, I can vote now in presidential elections, and make my voice heard" she said.
Applicants applying for citizenship of the United States would have to wait at least five years, but as a member of a military service serving the United States, Smith was eligible to apply as soon as her enlistment began.
"My process took four years, a long time but worth the wait," she said. "I started my application last deployment, and this deployment is went I submitted all my paperwork to become a U.S. citizen,"
During the ceremony, Smith promised to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, as a member of the military; this promise is not far from the oath she took as a recruit when she enlisted in the Army Reserves.
"My family is very proud of me, and to tell them about this day is very special," she said.
21 service members from 11 different countries representing the United States Army and Navy participated in the naturalization ceremony.
"We are here today to celebrate the induction of new citizens to the United States of America," said Maj. Gen. Charles Anderson, Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Central.
"Since 9/11, more than 36-thousand members of the Armed Forces have become U.S citizens, today you add to the great legacy of the immigrants who have come before you," he said.
"It is an honor for me to share this very special day with you, citizenship is one of the most coveted gifts that the U.S. government can bestow," said Anderson. "I know you are grateful for the opportunities that you have been given, you have earned the privilege of American Citizenship."
"With every new citizen who is woven in our national tapestry, our cultural fabric is enriched and our diversity is strengthened, securing America's promise as a nation of immigrants," he said. "Today we welcome you, as the newest members of the American family."
| Date Taken: |
08.03.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
09.05.2008 13:53 |
| Story ID: |
23270 |
| Location: |
CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: |
146 |
| Downloads: |
130 |
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This work, Local Resident becomes U.S. Citizen During Deployment, by SGT John Ortiz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
