http://sinepari.soc.mil/News/2008/April/SP-080429-02.html
Durham, N.C. (USASOC News Service, April 29, 2008) –Two U.S. Army Special Operation Command Soldiers became U.S. citizens in a naturalization ceremony here, 25 April.
Both Spec. Fidelina Ramon, 723d Main Support Company, based in Miami, and Spec. Jefferson Shin, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. were among 63 service men and women being naturalized in an opening ceremony for the Durham field office for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Ramon is an automated logistics specialist whose reserve unit is assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, Sustainment Brigade Special Operations (A), Fort Bragg, N.C.
Originally from Guatemala, Ramon said that the United States is home for her.
“This is where I live and this is where I know as my home,” she said. “Serving in the Army is just another way that I can be part of it.”
Ramon has been here for more than 16 years and is the first in her family to complete the naturalization process. Her mother is scheduled to be naturalized next month.
Shin, a water treatment specialist, came to the United States from Brazil with his family in 1994. He joined the Army in 2004 and was assigned to 7th SFG in 2005.
“It’s a pretty exciting day,” he said. Shin is the last of his family members in the United States to become a citizen.
He deployed in support of the War on Terror three times and will soon deploy for his fourth tour.
Both Ramon and Shin’s families were unable to attend the ceremony but the Soldiers were supported by friends and members of SBSO(A)’s command group.
Lt. Colonel Doug Briles, commander of the STB, and Sustainment Bde. chaplain, Maj. Scott Brown, witnessed Ramon’s Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, taken by each service member present.
“She’s a great Soldier,” said Briles. “She chose to serve before she became a U.S. citizen, I think that it’s great that she become a U.S. Citizen.”
“She’s been critical to our success,” he said. “We have had several reserve component Soldiers who have mobilized in support of Combined Joint Special Operations Training Forces Afghanistan and Combined Joint Special Operations Training Forces Iraq. She has been decisive in making that happen.”
Brown describes Roman as a spark of light who is full of energy and life.
“She’s a Christian, is dynamic, is energetic and focused,” he said.
“She’s is an amazing woman and wants to become an American. When you roll it all up, that’s what we envision America as being.”
Spec. Angelica Leon, 723d MSC, was there to support both Ramon and Shin. Leon, who also is a naturalized citizen, said it takes years to get to this point but it is all worth it.
Both Ramon and Shin said they are happy to finally complete the process. Both agreed that their new citizenship would make it easier for them in their careers and that they would take advantage of their new right and responsibility of voting in this next election.
For men and women serving in our military services seeking additional information on the naturalization process, inquire with unit Staff Judge Advocate Office or go to www.uscis.gov/military. You may also contact the military help line at 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645).
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Durham, N.C. (USASOC News Service, April 29, 2008) –Two U.S. Army Special Operation Command Soldiers became U.S. citizens in a naturalization ceremony here, 25 April.
Both Spec. Fidelina Ramon, 723d Main Support Company, based in Miami, and Spec. Jefferson Shin, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. were among 63 service men and women being naturalized in an opening ceremony for the Durham field office for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Ramon is an automated logistics specialist whose reserve unit is assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, Sustainment Brigade Special Operations (A), Fort Bragg, N.C.
Originally from Guatemala, Ramon said that the United States is home for her.
“This is where I live and this is where I know as my home,” she said. “Serving in the Army is just another way that I can be part of it.”
Ramon has been here for more than 16 years and is the first in her family to complete the naturalization process. Her mother is scheduled to be naturalized next month.
Shin, a water treatment specialist, came to the United States from Brazil with his family in 1994. He joined the Army in 2004 and was assigned to 7th SFG in 2005.
“It’s a pretty exciting day,” he said. Shin is the last of his family members in the United States to become a citizen.
He deployed in support of the War on Terror three times and will soon deploy for his fourth tour.
Both Ramon and Shin’s families were unable to attend the ceremony but the Soldiers were supported by friends and members of SBSO(A)’s command group.
Lt. Colonel Doug Briles, commander of the STB, and Sustainment Bde. chaplain, Maj. Scott Brown, witnessed Ramon’s Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, taken by each service member present.
“She’s a great Soldier,” said Briles. “She chose to serve before she became a U.S. citizen, I think that it’s great that she become a U.S. Citizen.”
“She’s been critical to our success,” he said. “We have had several reserve component Soldiers who have mobilized in support of Combined Joint Special Operations Training Forces Afghanistan and Combined Joint Special Operations Training Forces Iraq. She has been decisive in making that happen.”
Brown describes Roman as a spark of light who is full of energy and life.
“She’s a Christian, is dynamic, is energetic and focused,” he said.
“She’s is an amazing woman and wants to become an American. When you roll it all up, that’s what we envision America as being.”
Spec. Angelica Leon, 723d MSC, was there to support both Ramon and Shin. Leon, who also is a naturalized citizen, said it takes years to get to this point but it is all worth it.
Both Ramon and Shin said they are happy to finally complete the process. Both agreed that their new citizenship would make it easier for them in their careers and that they would take advantage of their new right and responsibility of voting in this next election.
For men and women serving in our military services seeking additional information on the naturalization process, inquire with unit Staff Judge Advocate Office or go to www.uscis.gov/military. You may also contact the military help line at 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645).
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