Tuesday, May 13, 2008

By ROGER W. HOSKINS
rhoskins@modbee.com

last updated: April 28, 2008 03:08:41 AM

Army Spc. Pedro Pacheco stood at attention with 62 other service members. They were taking their second oath of allegiance to the United States.

This time, they were taking their oaths to become citizens.

In a telephone interview from Kuwait, Pacheco, 23, a native of Mexico and a Downey High School graduate, said 25 countries were represented in the April 5 ceremony. Maj. Gen. Dennis Hardy administered the oath inside an auditorium.

Pacheco was struck by how much alike the citizen's vow was to his military oath. The phrase that sticks in his mind is "that I will support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. ... I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law."

The law requires noncitizens who serve in the U.S. military -- it was reported last year that there were about 40,000 -- to be permanent residents. Those in the military enjoy several naturalization benefits, including a waiver of application fees. Permanent residents who die while serving in the armed forces may be naturalized posthumously.

The hardest part on the road to citizenship, said Pacheco, a combat medic, "was getting past being nervous. The test was pretty easy."

And "very comforting" is how Pacheco described his new status. Pacheco said he made a friend among those joining him as new citizens: "Spc. Ailleem. He was from Iraq. He joined the Army when he was living in LA."

His mother has died, but Pacheco said becoming a citizen fulfilled his mom's dream for him. He came to this country from Mexico when he was 2. He's lived most of his life in the Modesto area.

"I called my dad and my bothers (who now live in Keyes)," he said. "My dad was very excited. I'm the only brother that wasn't a citizen."

He expects U.S. citizenship to open doors. When he leaves the service, he hopes to continue his education in medicine.

In the meantime, just being a U.S. citizen "gives me more pride in what I do."

His message to his hometown and newly adopted country was one of appreciation.

"I'm proud to serve my country, and I love my family and friends," he said. "Thanks to everyone for all the care packages -- the phone cards, (magazines) and movies. ... I want to continue to do my job and serve my country."

Bee staff writer Roger Hoskins can be reached at rhoskins@modbee.com or 578-2311.