January 6, 2005

Soldiers naturalized
Hawaii reservists gain citizenship at ceremony

Dustin Perry
Assistant Editor

Soldiers from the 29th Brigade combat team, a mobilized Reserve unit from Hawaii, wave American flags and celebrate becoming citizens of the United States. A total of 127 Soldiers were naturalized Dec. 17 at the USASMA.

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The Army welcomed 127 of its Soldiers as new citizens of the United States during a naturalization ceremony held Dec. 17 at the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy.

The Soldiers belong to the Hawaii National Guard’s 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, which has been mobilized into the 29th Brigade Combat Team. In addition to American Samoa and the Philippines, the Soldiers hailed from countries including Western Samoa Mexico, Palau and Vietnam. They have been training here since October in preparation for a deployment to Iraq and are now in Fort Polk, La., continuing their training.

Citizenship came to these Soldiers by way of an expedited military process initiated by one of the 29th’s legal clerks and came to fruition when they raised their right hand and recited the oath of allegiance in front of an auditorium full of friends, witnesses and fellow Soldiers.

Raymond P. Adams, the Immigration and Naturalization Services district director in El Paso, oversaw the event.

“This ceremony today is showing that you are willing to become citizens and qualify for citizenship. You have the demonstrated knowledge of civics and the English language,” said Adams. “You’ve shown yourselves to be of good moral character and that you’re willing to support and defend the Constitution. You’re putting your words into action.”

One of the Soldiers who gained citizenship was Staff Sgt. Solofa Suesue, a squad leader with the 29th. Suesue, a native of American Samoa and a 21-year Army veteran, said he could not express his feelings of joy after receiving his naturalization certificate.

“Before we deployed, my main concern was to become a citizen, and it was a tremendous feeling having my fellow Soldiers with me for a ceremony like this,” said Suesue. “It’s a pleasure and a great opportunity to be a citizen of the United States. I am very lucky to be a part of this expedited process.”

Also taking place during the ceremony were a speech from Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane, Fort Bliss commanding general, the singing of the National Anthem by a Border Patrol officer, a recorded congratulatory message from President Bush and a pair of boisterous Samoan hymns sung by the Soldiers themselves.

Spc. Jocelyn Bercasio, a 29th paralegal originally from the Philippines, said she has always wanted to become a citizen since joining the Army four years ago.

“I felt kind of nervous walking up there to get the certificate, but it feels great now. It’s my new country now and I’m proud,” said Bercasio.

Before handing out the certificates Adams offered some closing words, saying he was deeply honored to be with the newest citizens of the United States.

“Congratulations to each and every one of you. Thank you for being citizens, for being Soldiers and good luck to you as you head into the sands of Iraq,” added Adams.