Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times

Quick Links

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/11/army_citizenshipday_071112w/
news/2007/11/army_citizenshipday_071112w

178 soldiers become U.S. citizens in Iraq


Staff report
Posted : Monday Nov 12, 2007 16:51:24 EST

In a Veterans Day ceremony north of Baghdad on Sunday, 178 service members became U.S. citizens.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff administered the Oath of Allegiance at Sustainer Theater on Logistical Support Area Anaconda, the Army announced in a press release Monday.

“I can’t think of people who are more deserving of citizenship than those who are fighting to defend the country even before they are citizens. They understand that freedoms don’t come free and they are willing to make sacrifices even before they reap the benefits of citizenship,” Chertoff said in the release

Army veteran Emilio T. González, director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, presented each new citizen with a certificate of naturalization.

Brig. Gen. Gregory E. Couch, commanding general of the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), congratulated each new citizen. “It is fitting that these wonderful warriors be granted citizenship on Veteran’s Day,” Couch said in the release.

Naturalized service members also received a U.S. flag from the 316th’s senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Stacey E. Davis.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, there are nearly 40,000 non-U.S. citizens serving in uniform.

Related reading:

60 soldiers become citizens at Afghanistan ceremony



Ceerwan Aziz / The Associated Press Service members take their oath of allegiance to become U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at Balad Air Base on Nov. 11.

Contests and Promotions

CFC Info Center


Check out our in-depth guide to the Combined Federal Campaign.

Win A Timex Ironman® Triathlon Bodylink Trail Runner Watch


promo Enter and WIN...
The Timex Ironman Triathlon Bodylink Trail Runner is ideal for monitoring your heart rate and distance when running or to use as a GPS device.

Marketplace

Military Times Gear Shop


COOLMAX  Extreme S S Shirt COOLMAX Extreme S S Shirt
This COOLMAX® short-sleeve shirt reduce skin temperature while offering excellent moisture management properties.

Price: $10.99

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.