1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Iraq Update 11-2006 Page 4

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

Unit Updates
2006

Regulars Become Citizens

AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP ON VETERANS DAY

On November 10, 2006, 72 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines became American citizens
during a ceremony at the Al-Faw Palace – six of them are Regulars.
President Bush has recently signed legislation that granted accelerated citizenship
to veterans of the armed forces during the Global War on Terror and our Soldiers
took advantage of that opportunity to become “American by Choice.” The ceremony was a dignified
and emotional event and celebrated Veterans Day in a most fitting manner.

Distinguished guests at the ceremony included the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq,
Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad; the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service Director,
Dr. Emilio Gonzalez; the Commanding General of Multi-National Force Iraq, General George Casey;
the Commanding General of Multi-National Corps Iraq, Lieutenant General Peter Chiarelli;
and the Commanding General of Multi-National Division Baghdad, Major General James D. Thurman.
Dr. Gonzalez administered the oath of citizenship to our Soldiers and they were then presented certificates
and American flags to commemorate the event. It was truly a great day for each of them
and everyone present was enriched by having witnessed the ceremony.
Congratulations to the following – they have earned the privilege of being American citizens.

· Sergeant Claudius Stewart (Bahamas)

· Sergeant Theophilus Sipley (Liberia)

· Specialist Artur Liamin (Russia)

· Specialist Julio Navarro (Mexico)

· Specialist Soo Om (Korea)

· Private First Class Jorge Villalobosadrian (Mexico)

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