CAMP VICTORY - The largest US naturalization ceremony to be held overseas took place April 12 at the Al Faw palace here. 259 service members representing 71 countries held up their right hands and pledged their allegiance to the country which they already defend - thus becoming America's newest citizens.
"I am deeply honored to be here with you today," said the ceremony's presiding officer, Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, cmdr, MNC-Iraq. "Our nation's unique quality is that it weaves the world's cultures into a great American tapestry, and our military benefits from their strengths," Austin said. "Thank you all for sacrificing so much for the United States and for the Iraqi people."
Service members from across the Iraq theater of ops gathered at the palace to take part in the ceremony, representing the Army, Navy and Marines. The age group of the new Americans spans decades, with the youngest naturalized citizen being 19, the oldest 47.
"This is just amazing," said England-born Spc. Matthew J. McCallum, a personal security detail Soldier with the 82nd's 1st BCT. "There are so many more doors open for me now."
"My family doesn't even know that I did this," said Spc. Jose L. Mandario with 3rd Sqdrn, 73rd Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. Mandario's family originally emigrated from the Philippines and now resides in Long Beach, Calif. He plans to surprise them tonight with an email of his new citizenship certificate. "They will be very happy," he said.
The servicemembers raised their right hands - and recited the oath that bears some exact verbiage in which all said upon joining the military: "... I will support and defend the Constitution of the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same ..."
Then rounds of applause erupted from all 3 levels of the palace as America's newest citizens succumbed to smiles, laughter and tears. One Soldier in attendance succumbed to her overwhelming experience and was at a loss of words for how she felt. "This is all so overwhelming," said Pfc. Zully L. Schaeffer with HHC, 20th Eng. Bde, Fort Bragg. Schaeffer's family is originally from Peru and they now reside in Allentown, Penn. She could only come up with one word for how she felt about becoming a U.S. Citizen: "Happy."
