Basic Combat Training Soldiers become U.S. Citizens

By James Brabenec, Fort SillJune 6, 2013

Citizenship
Forty-five Basic Combat Training Soldiers from C Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery recite the Oath of Allegiance becoming American citizens during a naturalization ceremony May 30, 2013, at Fort Sill. The ceremony happened during the batte... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (June 6, 2013) -- Forty-five Basic Combat Training Soldiers took a major step toward defending the American way of life when they became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony May 30, here.

Hailing from more than 20 countries, the Soldiers took the Oath of Allegiance before hundreds of people gathered for C Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery family activities day.

Greg Richardson, director of the Texas Service Center for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in Dallas, led the new citizens in the oath.

"It was an honor to be a part of this ceremony and wonderful to be here for these Soldiers who are about to defend our country," he said. "It's a great honor to see we can bestow a gift of naturalization to them."

In a country that prides itself on being the great melting pot, the 45 Soldiers arrived on U.S. soil from distant points on the globe such as Benin, Ukraine, Indonesia, Germany, South Africa and China.

Capt. Samuel Rivera, C/1-31st FA commander, said the naturalization ceremony increased the complexity of the event, but was worth it because the Army gets good quality Soldiers in the new citizens.

"I notice that many of these Soldiers are older and take this more seriously than some of our younger recruits, and none of them quit," he said. "That's a characteristic you often see from them; they want to do this, and it's a lot of hard work just to get here so they push themselves hard."

At age 29, Kenny Lewis fits that demographic. The native of Jamaica enlisted in the Army because it was something he wanted to do from a young age but didn't have the opportunity to pursue back home.

"The U.S. Army offers me a lot of opportunity and its also a good organization that I'm proud to be a part of," he said.

Lewis said he appreciated the benefits and citizenship that come with military service here, and though he was a day away from BCT graduation, he already had his sights on higher goals.

"I want to one day become a sergeant and lead younger Soldiers like myself to help them become better leaders," said the future cannon crewmember. "I'm definitely thinking I want to make the Army a career."

Following graduation, Pfc. Rojit Ale, age 27, will move on to Joint Base San Antonio for combat medic training. The heat of South Texas will be a significant change from his native, Nepal, but like the other Soldiers who swore their allegiance to the United States, Ale saw a program that will give him several options. Although his plans were still fluid, the new Soldier said he might consider medical school.

Nearby, Spc. Gladys Kipsang held her nephew, Brian, after the ceremony. A full, white-toothed smile filled her face as the young Soldier who is going to be a nurse spoke of her appreciation of the Army.

"Joining the U.S. Army will open a lot of doors for me, but even more importantly, it's an honor to serve in the world's greatest military," said the young American woman from Kenya.

For more information, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov and type in naturalization-through-military-service in the search box.