Soldiers are honored guests as
they become naturalized
Wyndham hotel hosts Citizenship Ceremony

 

Clarence Giles

Monitor Staff

At a naturalization ceremony in the Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel, in northeast El Paso, sixteen servicemembers were naturalized July 22. 

The new citizens originate from the Carribbean, Central America, Africa and other far-away places, like the Ukraine.

“I had it in my mind, that I wanted to be an American citizen,” said 30-year-old Spc. Arten Druzenko, who has been a Soldier for the last six months. “But, when I came to the U.S., I figured out that it would take me five years to become an American citizen. That’s why I decided to join the Army – to speed up the process.”

Druzenko is a Soldier in the U.S., but his wife and young daughter still reside in the Ukraine.

 “Now, my goal is to bring my wife and daughter here,” he said.

 

Druzenko grew up speaking English because he attended a special school and increased his level of proficiency when he came to the United States. He said it was a suggestion of his friends that he become a citizen  so he joined the Army.

Druzenko’s sentiments were echoed by Raymond Adams, field office director for El Paso Field Office, Citizenship and Immigration Services.

“The reason we have ceremonies like we had today is that it’s very important that we celebrate citizenship,” said Adams. “It’s a big event in these peoples’ lives. We do not want to swear them in, in our office. We’d rather swear them in where we have a ceremony with guests speakers, and we are able to bring integrity and have as pretty of a ceremony as we can, to celebrate their naturalization,” he said. 

“What’s really special about our ceremony is the military presence,” said Adams. “All of us fully understand the role the military plays … the sacrifices they make on behalf of all of us. That’s why you saw today the judge, individually, recognize each military member.

“It’s a celebration,” continued Adams. “They’ve gone through the hard part. They’ve been interviewed, fingered printed, and tested. Now it’s time to celebrate, and it’s a really nice ceremony for the community. … It’s very important that we make these memorable events.”

Although others were present, servicemembers were seated in the front row, as honorees for the sacrifice that they are already making on behalf of the United States.

“We always ask that they try to wear their uniforms, so everyone can see them in the front row,” explained Adams. “We had ten members of the 4th Brigade [Combat Team, 1st Armored Division] that were naturalized. … “You’ll notice that there were about 30 to 40 members of the brigade that came to watch. This is the camaraderie that the unit has. … it’s really special,” he said.

“I am so thankful for this country that gives me a chance to become a citizen,” said Druzenko. I will do my best to serve this country.” 

Fort Bliss is Druzenko’s first duty station.