BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- Servicemembers deployed to a combat zone receive expedited processing of their Naturalization packages. One of the duties I assumed when I arrived at Bagram Airfield placed me in charge of immigration here, and on Veteran's Day I coordinated the naturalization of 61 soldiers.

The naturalization process (through which a person acquires U.S. citizenship) required quite a bit of coordination. The majority of Soldiers had to travel from distant forward operating bases, so transportation and billeting arrangements were first on the agenda. The last naturalization, held July 4, included just 27 soldiers; a stark contrast in number and coordination needs. Attending friends and co-workers brought the estimated crowd to more than 250 - enough to leave standing room only outside the hosting base chapel.

During the ceremony, before participants take an oath of citizenship, members rise when their country of origin is called. On Veteran's Day, 31 the new citizens represented 31 countries.

International press present included reporters from China, Afghanistan and the local AFN network. Two soldiers were also featured on a nationally-syndicated radio talk show called "Troops Talk."

After a successful naturalization ceremony, we're already preparing for the next one. The legal services division here is currently helping eligible soldiers complete their naturalization paperwork, and helping Afghan translators who qualify for special immigrant visas complete their applications.

Editor's note: Tech. Sgt. Flores is deployed from the 92nd Air Mobility Wing legal office. His job at Bagram is to assist the local attorney in providing legal advice to the battalion commander.