By Spc. John D. Ortiz
4th Sustainment Brigde
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – A Haines City, Fla., native Rickie Vargas, a specialist in the Army became a United States citizen Aug. 3, at a naturalization ceremony held here.
Vargas, a watercraft engineer with the 1099th Transportation Detachment based out of Fort Eustis, is originally from Columbia and is currently serving his first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Like the rest of the service members, Vargas was inspired to become a citizen of the country he pledged to protect when he enlisted in the service.
"It's something I've been waiting for a long time, it's exciting," said Vargas.
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, Vargas was eligible to apply as soon as his enlistment began.
"I became a resident five years ago after my mother became one," he said. "I joined the military and during this deployment, I started the process for my citizenship."
During the ceremony, Vargas 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 he took as a recruit when he enlisted in the Army.
"My family is really proud of me, especially my mother who went through a lot in order for me to achieve this," he 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."