Ukrainian U.S. Army Soldier Gains Citizenship

In the last decade more than 40,000 people started out serving in the U.S. armed forces without being an American citizen. More than half have now become citizens, and that number grew Thursday in Oklahoma City.

Thursday, May 28th 2009, 5:15 pm

By: News 9


By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In the last decade more than 40,000 people started out serving in the U.S. armed forces without being an American citizen. More than half have now become citizens, and that number grew Thursday in Oklahoma City.

The United States has a long and honorable tradition of allowing non-citizens to serve in the military. For many, it's a dream come true and so is becoming a naturalized citizen.

Alla Tarbox is living her dream. Two years ago she joined the U.S. Army, something she wasn't allowed to do in her native Ukraine.

"It was my old dream that came true. I wanted to serve since I was a teenager, and back in Ukraine females cannot serve in the military. So finally it was possible for me here in the United States," said Oklahoma Army National Guard Spc. Alla Tarbox.

Thursday she added to her dream, taking the oath of citizenship and declaring her loyalty to the U.S.

"It's a land of opportunity. It's the land of freedom. It just represents democracy," Tarbox said.

Her support group included several members of her Oklahoma National Guard unit.

"She'll make an outstanding citizen. I've worked with Specialist Tarbox professionally, and she's going to make a great soldier and an even better citizen," said Lt. Caleb Emde.

"It was an avalanche of emotions, or like a waterfall of emotions, coming down my shoulders. It feels really great," Tarbox said.

Alla Tarbox is now officially a citizen-soldier. Since 2001, the United States has awarded posthumous citizenship to over 100 non-citizens who served in the armed forces.

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