SEMBACH, Germany – Two Soldiers assigned to the Ansbach Army Dental Clinic in Germany recently took two very different paths to reach the same goal.
Spc. Kadisha Dias and Spc. Woori Shin, both 68E dental assistants, were notified a few weeks ago that they were approved for their U.S. citizenship.
Spc. Kadisha Dias, a native of Montego Bay Jamaica, migrated with her family to the United States in 2009. She graduated from Westchester Community College in New York City in 2017 with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. After completing her degree, she enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2019 as a 68E dental specialist. Dias is now serving as a dental assistant and timecard keeper for the Ansbach Army Dental Clinic.
Dias, who found out she was approved for her citizenship on March 23, says she loves being a Soldier.
“Joining the Army was a personal accomplishment that puts me one step closer to my goals,” Dias said. “Becoming a U.S. citizen offers me the opportunity to provide for my family, and my future children.”
Spc. Woori Shin, originally from the Republic of South Korea, migrated to the United States in 2016 hoping to make changes in his life. Prior to arriving in the United States, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management in 2010 from Konyang University in Korea.
Shin enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2019 as a 68E dental assistant and now serves as the supply non-commissioned officer for the Ansbach Army Dental Clinic.
“Growing up, I was bored and didn’t want to do anything; I had no goals or ambition,” said Shin. “I often dreamed of going to the United States because of what it stands for - justice, fairness, and equality.”
“One of the main reasons I decided to join the U.S. Army is because it promotes equal opportunity for all Soldiers and for the values it instills,” added Shin. “I am very proud to be a U.S. citizen and a U.S. Soldier. I now have a better understanding of what my role is in society.”
Shin was approved for his citizenship on April 2.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 4,500 service members were naturalized in 2020 alone. Service members from the U.S. Army, including National Guard and Reserves, comprised about two-thirds, or 62 percent of all military naturalizations from Fiscal Year 2016-2020.
Both Dias and Shin will participate in a formal swearing-in ceremony at a later date and location to be determined.
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