CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Eight California National Guard
Soldiers, originally from countries as far flung as Iran, El Salvador and
the Philippines, came together here March 25 to become citizens of the
United States.
All the new citizens are deployed to Kosovo as members of Multi-National
Battle Group-East's 1-144th Maneuver Task Force.
Spc. Marisela Romero, also of the California Guard, opened the ceremony with
congratulations to the new citizens.
"I myself became a citizen when I was serving in Iraq," she said. "I can
imagine what's going on in your minds right now, having the privilege, the
opportunity and the honor to become a citizen. Many doors will open for you
now as a citizen. Use the opportunity wisely."
Col. Robert Fode, deputy commander maneuver for MNBG-E, praised the new
citizens for their hard work and achievement.
"I just can't fathom the idea of becoming a citizen while deployed and away
from home and family; I can't fathom the sacrifices you made to be here and
be a part of this," he said. "My hat's off to you and I want to be the first
to say 'welcome to the home of the brave.'"
The new citizens are: Spc. Paul Acainaguilar, originally of the
Phillipines; Spc. Cristian Alfaro, originally of El Salvador; Spc. Roberto
Coreasarteaga, originally of El Salvador; Spc. Nestor Fajota, originally of
the Phillipines; Spc. Juan Medrano, originally of El Salvador; Spc. Salvador
Murilloflores, originally of Mexico; Spc. Rostom Sahakian, originally of
Iran; and Spc. Manuel Zapata, originally of Colombia.
Cpl. Gerald Thomas served as the master-of-ceremonies for the event and
Chaplain (Capt.) Timothy Meier gave the invocation. Robert Daum, the Field
Office director for U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services in Rome, Italy,
swore the Soldiers in as citizens.
The 1-144th MTF's commander, Lt. Col. David Brady of the California National
Guard urged the Soldiers to fulfill all the duties and responsibilities of
citizenship.
"One of the things that makes America great is that it's a melting pot. We
all come from different lands and it doesn't matter if you've been here 300
years or just a couple of generations like my family," he said. "I challenge
each and every one of you to strive to be citizens of character, morals,
honor and integrity. This is what the country needs."
Sahakian said becoming a U.S. citizen while in Kosovo was not something he
was expecting.
"It's kind of odd, but it feels good," he said. "I'm with my brothers in
arms."
Sahakian's parents were Armenians who were born in Iran. They immigrated to
the U.S. with him, seeking religious freedom.
"When I got over here, I decided to join the service. I wanted to give back
something, to serve my country," he said. "When they say it's the home of
the free and the brave, it is really. If you lived in the country that I
did, you would see the difference."
MNBG-E Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Cripe of the North Dakota Guard told the new
citizens that they were part of a very select group, non-citizens who had
made the choice to serve in the U.S. military.
"You should be very honored and proud that you met the standard to don the
uniform and be here today as a member of Multi-National Battle Group-East,"
he said. "And then you stepped forward and took the challenge to become a
United States citizen, you went above and beyond."