By Debbie Gregory.
They hail from Mexico and the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Brazil, Canada and Vietnam, Ecuador and Guatemala, China and Jamaica, Haiti, Peru and Tanzania. Nineteen young adults, all newly minted Marines, and all brand new U.S. Citizens!
During a July 13 naturalization ceremony at Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, the 16 young men and young women became U.S. citizens.
In order to take that final step of raising their hand to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution, they had to demonstrating their knowledge of the English language and American civics, as well as show good moral character.
The following day, the 19 graduated with 457 of their fellow Marines of Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, and November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, achieving their dreams of becoming U.S. Marines.
In a statement, Brenda Washington of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services said, “For these Marines, today’s naturalization ceremony represents their final step in their journey to American citizenship.” She added, “Their path to citizenship is especially remarkable because they first pledge themselves to support and defend the United States before choosing to become American citizens.”
The 19 double celebrants are: Pfc. Ambar N. Zaiek Parades, Dominican Republic; Pfc. Dulce F. Manriquez, Mexico; Pvt. Annalice M. Daley, Jamaica; Pvt. Julian R. Torres, Peru; Pfc. Serdjhy Leger, Haiti; Pfc. Dang H. Doung, Vietnam; Pfc. Daniel A. Guzman, Dominican Republic; Pvt. Kervin Stcyr, Haiti; Pvt. Jhonatan A. Velarde, Ecuador; Pvt. Jean Malhado, Brazil; Pvt. Yongchang Gao, China; Pvt. Khalid M. Ngwegwe, Tanzania; Pvt. Daniel Ramirez Rodriguez, Mexico; Pvt. Juan C. Rosales Guerin, Mexico; Pvt. Carlos L. Espana Palencia, Guatemala; Pvt. Waylon F. LaFrance, Canada; Pfc. Rodrigo M. Malpartida, Peru; Pvt. Zetian Ni, China; and Pfc. Ariel Castillo, Cuba.
We congratulate them all on their achievements!
Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, and their families.
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