FORT LEE, Va. (April 9, 2015) -- A dozen Soldiers received their U.S. citizenship during a naturalization ceremony March 31 at the Soldier Support Center.
Opening the event, Col. Mary Beth Taylor, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade commander, congratulated the inductees for their achievement that typically requires many months of study, background checks and paperwork processing.
"I get very emotional when I talk about this because, to me, I think it's probably one of the most life-changing days in your life," said Taylor to the Soldiers who were about to swear in as citizens. "It's different than joining the Army, because if you decide to enlist for three years, you can leave after that. This is a lifelong commitment you're entering into. It's something you've worked hard to achieve and to earn.
"When you're working toward something, it means so much more to you," she said. "I congratulate you all for taking this step -- this commitment -- just like you committed when you joined the Army to support and defend our nation."
The ceremony participants were then sworn in and presented certificates and U.S. flags with much formality and fanfare. Lt. Col. Scott Kindberg, 266th QM Battalion commander, noted how similar events in the past lacked the prestige he felt they deserved. His organization took over as the host of the bi-monthly event in October to bring back the "bling."
"The previous events were taking place in this small room at the Soldier Support Center, and all these Soldiers were hurriedly raising their hands and receiving their naturalization certificates," he said. "I was like, 'are you kidding me?' It is such a big deal, and it was relegated to this small little room.
"In some ways, these Soldiers have more appreciation for being a U.S. citizen than an actual U.S. citizen," Kindberg continued. "They are very thankful of being in the military and receiving their citizenship. So I said we would take on the ceremony to make it more special to honor those Soldiers and welcome them to becoming citizens."
After learning that he had several naturalized citizens in his battalion, Kindberg started tapping them to serve as guest speakers during the ceremonies. Navy Culinary Specialist 1st Class Ashley Rivera from the Philippines was the guest speaker for the March 31 event and told the Soldiers about her experience in earning her citizenship.
"Being a U.S. citizen is a big step, and it opens new doors for you," said Rivera, who came to America when she was 17. "When I got to America, I thought the people here were great and I wanted to be a citizen. That was my first goal in this country, and I joined the Navy to help me reach that goal."
Pvt. Ray Aguko, a Soldier in the 91B -- Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic -- advanced individual training course here, said he was thrilled to be a citizen and he appreciated the event.
"The ceremony was heartwarming," said Aguko, who came to America from Kenya on a student visa. "It reminded me of when I first came to this country from about eight years ago. It's been a long time coming.
"Last year, my best friend enlisted in the military, and I decided to give back to the country that has given me so much," he continued. "I look back over the last eight years and I've had so many opportunities even without being a citizen."
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