38 new U.S. citizens from 12 countries welcomed at Fort Bliss ceremony

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EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — On Friday, 38 soldiers serving America from 12 countries officially became U.S. citizens during a special military naturalization ceremony hosted at the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence & Sergeants Major Academy on Fort Bliss.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) hosted a special military naturalization ceremony at Fort Bliss on Friday, officially conferring U.S. citizenship upon 38 people from 12 countries, includingBenin, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Micronesia, Nepal, Philippines, and Sierra Leone.

El Paso Field Office Director Franklin Garnes presided over the ceremony and administered the Oath of Allegiance, while U.S. Army Commander Col. Douglas F. Baker, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division offered congratulatory remarks to the new citizens.

"This is my first opportunity to be part of this partnership, hopefully, it's not my last," said Baker. "What a humbling and amazing experience to be here with soldiers who have really given of themselves, raised their right hand, have entered the military, supported and defended the ideals that this country stands for, and now can be recognized and become full citizens."

Luis Valdez, a Mexican national who participated in the naturalization ceremony, said he chose to join the Armed Forces because it was a "privilege" to have been brought to America as a child.

"It doesn't feel right not to serve,"said Valdez. "I got the privilege to be here, I feel like I should give something back to this country."

Valdez called the naturalization event a "great day."

"The entire time growing up I felt like I was here, I felt like I belonged, but I couldn't officially say that I'm an American until today," said Valdez.

USCIS said it often participates in such ceremonies at museums, schools, libraries and other notable locations to "celebrate the conclusion of an immigrant’s journey to citizenship and honor their commitment."

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38 new U.S. citizens from 12 countries welcomed at Fort Bliss ceremony

38 new U.S. citizens from 12 countries welcomed at Fort Bliss ceremony

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