CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Each step forward, says Spc. Glory-Dana Salomon, is a march to something bigger and better.
It’s been this way since 1994, when as a young girl, Spc. Salomon left her native country of Haiti to New York City.
Sixteen years later, she took yet another gigantic step: She was granted US citizenship during a July 4 Naturalization Ceremony at Al Faw Palace, where the Soldier from the 66th Military Police Company stood alongside 156 service members to earn the distinction.
They earned it under the presence of a very distinguished official – Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. The vice president was in Iraq meeting with US Armed Forces and Iraqi leaders, yet took part in the ceremony.
As Spc. Salomon looked forward to her newfound citizenship, she reflected back to her native land that was devastated Jan. 12 by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Her relatives were spared, she said. But they lost their homes and now are rebuilding their lives along with millions of others.
“When it happened we were already here (in Iraq). I was worried at first. There were a lot of questions. I was just hoping they weren’t hurt more than anything,” Spc. Salomon said. “We had just gotten here. I didn’t know who to call. But then I was happy knowing that US Soldiers were there to help out. Thankfully, none of my relatives were hurt. Everyone was OK.”
She credits her parents for making that important decision 16 years ago to move to the United States.
“It’s a big decision for any family to leave a life behind and take a chance elsewhere,” added Spc. Salomon. “But we did. And it has all worked out.”
She joined the active duty Army two years ago. First, she attempted to enter the Marines. But standing just 58 inches tall, Spc. Salomon didn’t meet the height requirement, she explained. So she turned to the Army and landed as a company medic. But her inspiration is to become an Army officer through the Reserve Officers Training Corps.
“With her work ethic, dedication, and attitude I think she'll make a great officer. I know she's been working tirelessly to obtain admission to the University of Washington and submit an ROTC packet,” said Capt. Ranjini Danaraj, 66th company commander. “SPC Salomon is an outstanding Soldier. She’s a very personable, team player and goal-oriented. You can tell she's made great use of her time on the deployment, performing exceptionally on the board and scoring a 299 on her physical fitness test, in addition to conducting hundreds of combat patrols.”
Fittingly, Spc. Salomon became a US citizen on Independence Day. The July 4 ceremony was the 17th occasion held in Iraq for US service members since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in 2003.
More than 50 nationalities were represented among the 156 newfound American citizens.
Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding general of United States Forces-Iraq, addressed the service members. He stated how “rare” they are for being from various countries yet wearing uniforms of the US Armed Forces and dedicating their lives to serving America.
“Today, it is my privilege to call you my fellow citizens,” said Gen. Odierno.
Speaking to the audience, Biden said: “There’s strength in diversity, not division. Thank you from the bottom of America’s heart and for choosing America.”
Spc. Salomon said it was a tremendous honor to be part of the ceremony that included the vice president, his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and Gen. Odierno. But, she added, she’s been living in the US majority of her life, so “it just feels like I’ve been a US citizen already.”
Vice President Biden made that even clearer by stating, “You are already Americans, but now, let’s go on and make it official.”
“I think she's already doing the things which make her a better citizen in serving her country in the US Army,” added Capt. Danaraj. “In addition to defending the freedoms we enjoy, I think being a good citizen is also about never taking anything for granted, taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by our great nation, and pursuing your goals and dreams. She is an incredibly driven individual. I know she will continue to make a positive impact wherever her road may lead.”
That road continued July 4 in Iraq. And Spc. Salomon’s first step now that she’s fully an American citizen?
“I’m going over there,” she said, pointing to a separate room, “and getting a passport.”
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2010 03:28 |
| Story ID: | 52635 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 301 |
| Downloads: | 222 |
This work, Former Haitian dons Army uniform, now a US citizen, by SSG Edward Siguenza, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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