Photo By Staff Sgt. Ian M. Terry | Spc. Maria R. Hernandez-Sanchez, a Tijuana, Mexico, native, now a truck driver in the...... read more read more
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – For most of the people on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, it was just another hot, dusty Friday. But for three 43rd Sustainment Brigade soldiers, it was a day like no other.
Three soldiers from the 478th Transportation Company, 43rd SB, became citizens of the United States during a naturalization ceremony held on KAF, Oct. 1.
Naturalization is the process by which someone who is not a U.S. citizen by birth becomes so through residency and promise of loyalty and allegiance to the United States.
The 478th TC transporters were three in a group of 88 servicemembers from 37 countries to receive U.S. citizenship. This group included soldiers, sailors, Marines and one airman.
Maj. Gen. Timothy P. McHale, deputy commanding general, United States Forces-Afghanistan, the ceremony's keynote speaker, shared words of gratitude and encouragement for those being naturalized.
"It is a great day to be an American," said McHale. "Soon we'll have about 87 more Americans coming into our ranks, and that is something to celebrate."
McHale briefly recounted the early history of American immigration.
"In 1892, Annie Moore walked through the doors of Ellis Island," said McHale. "The 15-year-old Irish immigrant was the first to become a naturalized citizen at the new port of entry. Today, on 1 October, 2010, your port of entry is Kandahar, Afghanistan."
In addition to recounting the history of American immigration, McHale challenged the new citizens to do three things.
"Every year, read review and reflect on the oath of citizenship," said McHale. "And before the day is over, write down what you need to do to serve and continue to contribute to America. Live the oath, act on what you have written down, and inspire generations behind you."
Steve Bucher, deputy associate director of Refugee, Asylum and International Operations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, then shared his own thoughts with the crowd and administered the Oath of Allegiance.
"It is my sincere honor and privilege to be here with you today," said Bucher. "We have all come a long way to be here. You, in particular, have come a very long way. It is important to keep in mind that citizenship is not the end of your journey, it is the beginning."
The Oath of Allegiance states, in part, those who swear upon it will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America. They will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and will do so freely, without any reservations or purpose of evasion.
Following recitation of the oath and the awarding of certificates of citizenship, President Barack Obama delivered a video address to all in attendance.
"It is an honor and a privilege to call you a fellow citizen of the United States of America," said Obama. "Always remember that in America, no dream is impossible, and together, we can keep the beacon that is America burning bright for all the world to see."
Sgt. 1st Class Francisco J. Ramirez-Lopez, a native of Tijuana, Mexico, is a platoon sergeant in the 478th TC, a position commonly known as truck master.
Ramirez-Lopez has served 18 1/2 years in the Army and says his quest for citizenship was a long time coming. He succinctly stated his feelings following the ceremony.
"It feels good," said Ramirez-Lopez. "It really does."
Spc. Maria R. Hernandez-Sanchez, also a native of Tijuana, is now a truck driver in the 478th TC. She said the only thing that would have made the day better is if her parents had been there with her.
Together with Ramirez-Lopez and Hernandez-Sanchez, Pfc. Nhan H. Pham, of Saigon, Vietnam, said it felt great to be counted as an American citizen.
These 88 service members have joined the ranks of distinguished nationalized citizens from every walk of life. They now stand alongside those as varied as former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright (Czechoslovakia), California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Austria), journalist and news anchor Peter Jennings (Canada), physicist, philosopher and author Albert Einstein (German-Swiss) and "Father of the Nuclear Navy" Admiral Hyman Rickover (Poland).
Each of the newly naturalized citizens received a small American flag and a copy of The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and The Citizen's Almanac.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.08.2010 07:11 |
| Story ID: | 57730 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 234 |
| Downloads: | 7 |
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