BAGHDAD, Iraq — Many come to the U.S. seeking citizenship, but of those, only a few make the decision to prove their fidelity through military service.
One of those few, Sgt. Edgardo E. Arrazola, became a U.S. citizen during a naturalization ceremony at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, Iraq Nov. 11.
Born in Cartagena, Columbia, Arrazola, his sister and grandmother left Columbia when he was 7 to join his parents in Perth Amboy, N.J., where his father was a civil engineer and his mother was a postal worker.
"We tried to keep our family heritage by speaking Spanish within our household and eating tradition Columbian food", said Arrazola, a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard's 628th Aviation Support Battalion.
After graduating from Perth Amboy High School in 2004, Arrazola immediately joined the National Guard.
"I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do. The recruiter said, 'Why not try fixing Blackhawks?' and I thought, 'Why not?'" Arrazola said. "And here I am today, working with Bravo Company with the 628th, fixing Blackhawks in Iraq. How many people get that opportunity?"
In March, while working 12 hour days, seven days a week, Arrazola began his citizenship paperwork.
"I was really disappointed I missed the first naturalization ceremony with Vice President Joe Biden and then again in Arifjan, Kuwait," he said. "Later, Maj. Baker told me my paperwork went through and I was going to Baghdad on Veterans Day!"
Shortly after arriving in Baghdad, Arrazola had his interview with Jonah Hadary, deputy district director for U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services' Rome District.
"The questions were straightforward. They basically checked my comprehension of language and understanding of U.S. history," Arazola said. "After immediately answering the first six questions right, my interview was completed within ten minutes. I am glad I studied as hard as I did."
During the ceremony, each Soldier received their Certificate of Citizenship, a flag that was flown over Al Faw Palace from Command Sgt. Maj. Frank A. Grippe, senior enlisted leader of Multi-National Corps — Iraq, and a coin from Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, I Corps commander.