Ten Fort Hood Soldiers Become U.S. Citizens - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

They've fought for our country, and Friday 10 Fort Hood soldiers finally became a part of it at naturalization ceremony.

It was an emotional and long-awaited moment for some.

"It's an honor and a privilege to call you a fellow citizen of the United States of America," President Barack Obama said to them in a video message.

It all sunk in for Micronesia native SSG Rodney Edwin the second he had his certificate in hand.

"I tried to hold myself back from shedding a tear. I'm supposed to present that image of a soldier strong and all, but honestly, I feel like I'm about to break down right now," said Rodney.

He's been in the Army for 15 years, deploying several times.

He and his wife, Lani, have been working on his citizenship since 2004.

She even had to take a trip to Micronesia to straighten out his paperwork.

"So it's really an accomplishment, and I'm proud of him," Lani said.

Less than one percent of Americans step up to serve in the military.

The men and women whom were naturalized Friday have been doing it for years without the perks of being citizens themselves.

"So just by serving each of these soldiers have done more for America than most citizens will ever do. They have each served in combat, fighting and winning the nation's wars and protecting the freedom and liberty of all American citizens," III Corps Commanding General LTG Donald Campbell said.

As a reminder of that, Rodney and Lani plan to hang his certificate at home, where they and their children will always be able to see it.

"It's something I'll always look back on, and my kids are all for it, and hopefully, they'll follow in their daddy's footsteps," said Rodney.

Soldiers from all over the world took their oaths by Rodney's side today.

They come from Cuba, Fiji, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, and South Africa.

While these ceremonies often take place overseas, Friday's is the first on Fort Hood since 2009.

Reporter/Photographer: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com