Three Task Force McCoy Soldiers Become U.S. Citizens

Photo By Zachary Mott | From left, new American citizens Pfc. Ivy Marciano, Spc. Li Ye, and Pfc. Noor Jawadi recite the Oath of Allegiance from Mick Dedvukaj, district director, Great Lakes/Midwest District, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, provides the verbal cues. The Oath of Allegiance is the final step in becoming an American citizen and is recited at every ceremony. The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Zach Mott)  

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES

11.04.2021

Story by Zachary Mott 

Operation Allies Welcome - Operation Allies Refuge   

FORT McCOY, Wis. – Serving a nation that is not your birth country is a level of selflessness not common to most. For three Soldiers currently here as part of the Operation Allies Welcome mission with Task Force McCoy, they are now serving their country when they became United States citizens during a naturalization ceremony here, November 4, 2021.

“For me, there’s responsibility. With being a U.S. citizen I can help more people and others to achieve greater things,” said Pfc. Noor Jawadi, who is currently serving with the 44th Chemical Company, Task Force McCoy, and immigrated to the United States in from Afghanistan at 16.

For Spc. Li Ye, Pfc. Ivy Marciano and Jawadi, the opportunity to become American citizens propelled them to join the U.S. Army.

“Becoming a U.S. citizen for some people, it will give you a lot of opportunities,” said Marciano, who moved to the United States from the Philippines in 2014. “There’s always going to be a difference between being a permanent resident and a U.S. citizen, which being a U.S. citizen gives you a lot more opportunities living in America.”

“To the new citizens, you are as American as someone whose family has been here for hundreds of years,” said Mick Dedvukaj, district director, Great Lakes/Midwest District, USCIS when addressing the three newest American citizens after he administered the Oath of Allegiance.

That Oath of Allegiance is the official moment when someone becomes an American citizen.

“The most rewarding thing I have done during my career has been to conduct naturalization ceremonies and give the oath to new American citizens,” said Trina Swanson, deputy federal coordinator, Operation Allies Welcome.

“I am proud to welcome you as new American citizens today,” Swanson continued. “Thank you for your service to our country.”

Under the terms of the naturalization through military service program with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Nationality Act 329 states that anyone who served honorably during a period of hostility is eligible to apply for naturalization. There is a declared period of hostility beginning Sept. 11, 2001 until now.

As the newest American citizens, Ye, Marciano and Jawadi have many opportunities before them.

“U.S. citizenship opens many doors, but it also comes with great responsibility to the other citizens of our country and now your nation. You have each already taken on one of those responsibilities by serving your nation,” said Maj. Gen. Darrell J. Guthrie, commanding general, 88th Readiness Division.

The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for more than 50,000 Afghan evacuees. This initiative provides vulnerable Afghans essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 11.04.2021
• Date Posted: 11.08.2021 16:06
• Story ID: 408722
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WI, US