One-hundred ninety-two servicemembers from 54 different countries became U.S. citizens Sept. 1 during a Multi-National Corps – Iraq United States Citizenship Ceremony at Al-Faw Palace on Camp Victory, Baghdad.

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general, MNC-I, presided over the ceremony and, along with Lori Pietropaoli, deputy district director, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, presented a certificate of naturalization to each new citizen. This ceremony was the 12th of its kind in Iraq.

“I am extremely honored to preside over such an important event for these great men and women,” Austin said. “Today, we have the opportunity to welcome 192 of our fellow brothers and sisters in arms into our American family.”

Austin took time to individually recognize two troops, Marine Corps Sgt. Sidney King III and Spc. Alan Wyrwa, who both overcame numerous challenges to become U.S. citizens.

Wyrwa lived in communist-controlled East Germany until he and his mother risked their lives escaping to West Germany when he was 5 years old. King came to the United States in 1988 and spent his first five years separated from his parents. He worked tirelessly to obtain a visitor’s visa and later a green card to stay in the United States. For the last nine years, he has served in the United States Marine Corps, working toward his citizenship. After 20 years, he is finally a citizen.

For many, the event was the highlight of a lifetime and the beginning of many new opportunities.

“I can’t describe my feelings,” said Spc. Steven Chol, interpreter, command sergeant major’s personal security detachment, MNC-I and originally from Sudan. “I’m so happy for what happened today, becoming a U.S. citizen.

“I’m proud to be an American,” said Spc. Dodji Kuwonu, cannon crewmember, 5-25 Field Artillery Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and originally from Togo. “I’ve got a lot of opportunities now. A lot of doors are open for me.”

“Each of you has opened a door of opportunity through your own hard work, and through the support of your families and loved ones,” Austin said. “Today, each of you has achieved a significant goal, and I know it wasn’t easy, but the great news is that you aren’t at the end of your journey – you are at the beginning of a new one.”

MNF-I