Photo By Sgt. Tracy Knowles | Signing an American flag for a child diagnosed with leukemia back home in Texas was...... read more read more
BAGHDAD, Iraq — I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law.
These words, portion of the Oath of Naturalization, echoed through al-Faw Palace, Nov. 11, as Spc. Mauricio Zumba, of Spokane, Wash., ended his journey to become a U.S. citizen.
Zumba, a native of Ecuador, now serving with the 16th Engineer Brigade, came to the U.S. in Dec., 1998. He was 10 years old and came with his mother and a younger sibling. Adjusting to life in America was difficult for him. The language barrier was the most difficult challenge.
Luckily, Zumba spoke another language, Italian, so moving to a predominately Italian neighborhood in Pennsylvania made his adjustment period easier.
"Honestly, I didn't even think about my citizenship until college," said Zumba
While a cadet in the Reserve Officer Training Course in college at Eastern Washington University, in Cheney, Wash., Zumba was told that in order sign his contract for commission to become an officer he needed to be a U.S. citizen.
"It only took three months for the INS [Immigration and Naturalization Service] to contact me about an interview. I have heard it can take years," said Zumba.
Taking the oath at al-Faw Palace, here, was an honor as most ceremonies happen in a small conference room back in the states. A congratulatory video message from President Barack Obama made his experience unforgettable.
"Being in the palace on Veterans Day was awesome. A memory never to be forgotten," said Zumba.
Zumba's first act as a citizen was signing an American flag for a child diagnosed with leukemia back home in Texas.
"The flag represents my freedom, our freedom and his hope," said Zumba.
Veteran's Day usually means thanking those who have served in the armed forces. For Zumba, formally of Ecuador; it means freedom, hope and pride in his new country.
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2009 01:51 |
| Story ID: | 41510 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 146 |
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