KITSAP NAVY NEWS
Page A14
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Friday, May 24, 2013
Soldiers gain citizenship at Bremerton ceremony By KEVAN MOORE
New citizens
kmoore@soundpublishing.com
Eleven active-duty members of the armed services and two veterans became American citizens last week during a special ceremony aboard the USS Turner Joy in Bremerton. The soldiers and sailors hail from Cambodia, Mexico, Germany, Venezuela, Canada, the Philippines, Palau, Thailand and India. Alfredo Diego, 20, a culinary specialist aboard the USS John C. Stennis, spent the first 15 years of his life in Venezuela before moving to Florida. He enlisted in the Navy just in time for the Stennis’ most recent deployment. “When I was in Venezuela, I never was expecting to end up this way,” he said. “But destiny and all of the things that happened in my life, led me to here. I would like to make a difference, that’s why other than getting my citizenship, I want to make it to being an officer. It’s hard, especially for a cook like me, but it’s not impossible.” Diego said he originally wanted to become a rescue swimmer, but was unable to because he could not get top-secret security clearance without U.S. citizenship. “They told me to start from the bottom and work my way up,” he said. “Now, I can do that, but I still have a four-year contract as a cook. It’s hard, but you’re always making that sacrifice. I think that’s what makes a difference.” Just moments after gaining his U.S. citizenship, Diego reflected on growing up under the yoke of a com-
Kevin Moore /Staff Photo
Eleven active duty military members and two veterans swore an oath of citizenship last week aboard the USS Turner Joy in Bremerton. The event, the third of its kind, was part of Armed Forces Day festivities ahead of Saturday’s parade. munist dictator. “It was a long way,” he said. “I never thought it was going to end up being this way, but I always knew something great was gonna come my way because of all the injustices there. I knew it would pay off.” Captain Ann K. Minami, US Navy Commanding Officer, Region Legal Service Office Northwest, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. She said her parents came to the US from Japan and met and married in Seattle after dating in the International District. She described their journey as a typical rags-to-riches tale after her father took out a $200 loan to get married and worked their way into the
middle class. She has excelled as an officer in the Navy while her older brother works at Microsoft and her younger brother works in information technology at Harborview Medical Center. “We’ve all been able to build our own strong families and our own strong careers based on the foundation that my parents set when they decided to make this country their home,” she said. Capt. Minami noted that her parents’ path to permanent residency was a pretty long one and it was an even longer road for them to get naturalization. “But my parents were determined and it’s the same determination that you guys know so well. It’s what char-
Legal Notices IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KITSAP In the Matter of the Estate of ERMA JUNE LIDYARD, Deceased. NO. 13 4 00130 5 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable
statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(3); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented
within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: May 17, 2013 BRIAN LIDYARD, Personal Representative Attorney for the Personal Representative: Jacqueline McMahon Address for Mailing or Service: Attorney at Law P. O. Box 1569 Orting, WA 98360 (360) 893-2527
Date of first publication: 05/17/13 Date of last publication: 05/31/13 CK788747 Need help with your career search? There is help out there! and you can access it at whatever time is convenient for you! Find only the jobs in your desired category, or a specific location. Available when you are, 247. Log on at www.nw-ads.com or call one of our recruitment specialists, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm 800-388-2527
acterizes what it means to be an American. You all are Americans by choice and inspire those of us that are born into citizenship. You inspire us to never take for granted how fortunate we are to be American citizens. You inspire us to look for ways to continuously contribute ways to make this country better.” Capt. Minami encouraged the soldiers and sailors to be sure to enjoy the benefits of service and citizenship, but also reminded them to remember the associated responsibilities. “We are expected to be proactive,” she said. “If you see something that can be improved, work to improve it. If you see something that looks wrong, question it and be a part of the solution. Don’t
complain about things, but be part of the fix. That’s what they tell you in the military and its what you’re expected to do as a citizen. We need all these things from our citizens and we really need all these things from you.” The new citizens also heard a congratulatory message recorded by President Obama. “You travelled a long path to get here,” he said. “You have sworn a solemn oath to this country and now have all the rights of citizenship. But the privilege of citizenship comes with great responsibilities. So I ask for you to use your freedoms and talents to contribute to the good of our nation and the world.” President Obama also reminded the soldiers and
Brunnath Sin, Cambodia (Navy) Mario Lopez, Mexico (Navy) Christine Althaus, Germany (Navy) Alfredo Diego, Venezuela (Navy) Nicole Hollenbeck, Canada (Navy) Leslie Arthur Dela Cruz, Phillipines (Navy) Wolgang Tulmau, Palau (Army) Mario Lara Guillen, Mexico (Army) Eric Kris Rempillo, Phillipines (Army) Kou Lor, Thailand (Army) Jay R. Salenga, Phillipines (Army) Michael Corrales, Phillipines (Army) Brandon Shiro, Palau (Army) Sukwinder Singh, India (Army) sailors that no dream is impossible in the United States. “Like the millions of immigrants that have come before you, you have the opportunity to enrich this country through your contributions to civic society, business, culture and your community,” he said. “You can help write the next great chapter in our American story. And together, we can keep the beacon that is America burning bright for all the world to see.”
Buntting graduates from Marine training Marine Corps Pvt. Timothy E. Buntting, son of Lena Buntting of Cocoa, Fla. and Gregory Buntting, of Bremerton, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. For 13 weeks, Buntting stayed committed during some of the world’s most
demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and
courtesies. One week prior to graduation, Buntting endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits’ minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time. Buntting is a 2012 graduate of Cocoa Beach High School of Cocoa, Fla.