Soldiers Become Citizens in Miami
Kuwait-bound guardsmen sworn in as Americans
By HANK TESTER and BRIAN HAMACHER
Updated 12:55 PM EDT, Tue, Dec 15, 2009
It was a historic moment for a group of Miami soldiers from the Florida National Guard yesterday as they were sworn in as U.S. citizens -- just before they're about to be deployed to Kuwait.
Sporting camouflage fatigues and crew cuts, 19 new Americans took the oath and became citizen soldiers in yesterday's ceremony.
"I can really do citizen stuff, vote, register to vote, which I will do next, after I go ahead and get a passport," said Odsen Pierre.
Sure enough these brand new Americans do register to vote and start the paperwork for passports, the American dream now a reality.
"I have really loved this country ever since I got here and now it is my opportunity to give back to it," said a proud Jose Vincent Quesada.
The Guard members will deploy to the Middle East, and though Kuwait is far from the intense combat, these troops will indeed be playing a key role in the war effort.
"When push comes to shove I am serving the flag and I am doing everything I should for this country, I might as well be a citizen while I am doing it," said Cesar Olivia.
Over 640,000 people became U.S. citizens in the past year, but for soldiers about to serve their country, it's a unique experience.
"They might not even know how special it is, the event that took place today," said Capt. J.C. Gomez. "But when they come back from overseas and realize what they are a part of, that's when it's going to click."
First Published: Dec 15, 2009 7:39 AM EDT
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