CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait, April 7, 2006 - Servicemembers deployed to Kuwait became
U.S. citizens yesterday during a naturalization ceremony at chapel here.
Fifty-seven soldiers and sailors from 26 different countries were presented a
certificate by Army Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Third U.S. Army commander, and
Matthew H. Tueller, charge d'affairs of the U.S. Embassy Kuwait.
"It is a great day to be an American," said Whitcomb. "I am not only happy and
proud to be here as a soldier, but as an American as well."
"As new citizens to the United States, I salute you," Tueller said. "From today
on, you have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream."
Special guests from the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizen and
Immigration Services, Rome office, participated in the ceremony. Lori
Pietropaoli, officer in charge, administered the oath of allegiance and
presented the certificates. Joseph Hackbarth, immigration officer, presented the
candidates.
To become eligible for U.S. citizenship, a person must demonstrate good moral
character, an understanding of U.S. history and government, and comprehension of
the English language.
The ceremony was the first one conducted since mid-December as servicemembers
from all over Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar took the oath to become U.S. citizens.
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