Sgt. Lynne Steely
18th Military Police Brigade
Public Affairs Office
Camp Victory, Iraq
July 26, 2005
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq --"I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America," said Spc. Kimberly L. Flowers with a smile as she affirmed her commitment to the U.S. alongside 167 fellow Soldiers and Marines in a Naturalization Ceremony Monday at Al-Faw palace, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq headquarters, on Camp Victory, Iraq.
Flowers and three of her comrades from the 306th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, have earned that privilege in a bigger way than many others who aspire to become U.S. citizens. The four are U.S. Soldiers stationed in Abu Ghraib, Iraq.
"Over half of these Soldiers standing here today joined the military after September 11, 2001," said Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, commander of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, 'they knew the risks. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you."
Vines presented the certificates of naturalization with Karen Landsness, Agent in Charge for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service in the Department of Homeland Security.
It has taken nearly two year to complete all the paperwork but Flowers said it will make life in the military a lot easier. "I want to become a Warrant Officer," she added, but it requires citizenship. Soldiers are unable to gain a security clearance without it which can limit their options in the military.
U.S. Soldiers are also unable to reenlist after eight years if they have not become a citizen. However, this law does not apply to Soldiers who are deployed during an authorized period of conflict.
Under recent legislation, changes have been made to the process of Naturalization by military personnel. As of October 1, 2004 there is no longer a fee to file for naturalization, and the process is now available to overseas members of the Armed Forces.
President Bush signed into law that commanders must make it a priority to expedite the process and accommodate their Soldiers trying to obtain U.S. citizenship.
1st Lt. Darrell Bauhn, a legal officer, has been working with Corps Support Command, (COSCOM), to help get Soldiers through the process. Bauhn said it can be a lengthy process but it doesn't have to be.
"First they must fill out a huge application. Then they have to provide proof of military service and give all biographical background data to ensure there are no security issues. A set of fingerprints are sent to the FBI. Everything must be filled out correctly," added Bauhn, "one mistake can kick back the paperwork making the process painstakingly long."
Four workshops have been held so far to help the Soldiers understand the process and answer any questions they might have. Bauhn said he is looking forward to more workshops in the future.
A native of Belize, Flowers arrived in Bronx, N.Y. when she was eight years old. "My Mom moved to the U.S. alone to find a home and become financially stable before we joined her," said Flowers, 'there were more opportunities in the U.S." The middle child of five, the children lived a cramped lifestyle with her Aunt and cousins while waiting to join their mother. "She wanted a better life for us," Flowers added.
Joining the military right after high school, Flowers "wanted to do something different".
She's not sure yet if she will make a life-long career out of the military but says she'll take it as far as she can, and go from there.
Spc. Elizabeth Allen works in reception at the prison, searching the detainee's family members when they arrive for visitation.
Allen was born in Jamaica and moved to the U.S. when she was 16. Wanting to take advantage of all the benefits the military had to offer, she joined the military at 21. She makes time in between work and other duties to take college courses online towards a degree in Criminal Justice.
"I really miss going to the beach," Allen said of her native country, but she also said she's not thinking of moving back anytime soon. "Maybe someday, but right now there are too many opportunities for me."
Many Soldiers have missed out on this opportunity because they cannot be contacted, said Bauhn who helps try and locate them. He said that many are either unable to check their military email account, or just don't. Bauhn is already preparing Soldiers for the next ceremony.
This was the second of two Naturalization Ceremonies held in Iraq for deployed Soldiers the first in November, 2004. Another ceremony is scheduled for September.
Spc. Yuen Fai Fu and Spc. Viseka Dawson from the 306th MP Battalion also received Certificates of Naturalization at the ceremony.
MNC-I Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Carey presented each Soldier a national flag which has been flown over the MNC-I headquarters.