JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will swear in 10 new Americans and present the “Outstanding American by Choice” award at Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m. at the American Lake Community Center.
The new Americans receiving their oath as U.S. citizens include seven service members (4 Army, 2 Navy, 1 Marine Corps) and three military spouses (2 Army, 1 Navy), and come from the following four countries: Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala and Russia.
During the ceremony USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas will present the “Outstanding American by Choice” award to Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Oscar Hilman, former I Corps deputy commanding general. This award recognizes naturalized citizens who have made significant contributions to both their community and their adopted country. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Hilman also commanded the 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard, in support Operation Iraqi Freedom.
USCIS Director Mayorkas, who oversees the administration of the world’s largest immigration service, will be available to speak with members of the media after the ceremony.
The keynote speaker for the ceremony is Maj. Gen. (Ret.) James M. Collins, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Washington State. Collins served more than 35 years in active Army and Army Reserve leadership roles. From 2002 through 2005 he was Deputy Commanding General and Chief of Staff for I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
For more information about this ceremony or the naturalization process, please call Tim Counts, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services at (952) 853-2827, cell (952) 232-7971.