In honor of Veterans Day, Joint Base Lewis-McChord held a special naturalization ceremony on Nov. 9 to welcome 15 new citizens and to pay tribute to the newest recipient of the Outstanding American by Choice, Oscar Bautista Hilman, a retired brigadier general and former I Corps deputy commanding general. The award is given to naturalized citizens who have made significant contributions to both their community and their adopted country; to date it has been given to less than 80 individuals since its inception in 2006.

"Today, this week, is a great time to be an American soldier," began keynote speaker James M. Collins, a retired major general who's  Washington state's Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, John McHugh. "It is a privilege to serve our great nation, as you candidates well know."

"I also want to mention that I think it is very fitting that we have spouses represented here today," he continued. "As they say in the Army, we enlist an individual but we retain the entire family. I applaud your dedication since our nation will undoubtedly need your continued service in the days ahead."

The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Alejandro Mayorkas, delivered the Oath of Allegiance to the group of new Americans, which included 12 servicemembers from various branches and three military spouses. The candidates came from El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Palau, the Philippines, Russia and the United Kingdom.

One of JBLM's newest citizens, Pfc. David Newman of the United Kingdom, then led the candidates in their first official Pledge of Allegiance.

"When I heard that I'd won, I Googled the list of prior recipients and I was shocked and flattered to be in their company," said Hilman.

"This is the best country in the world," Hilman stated, while addressing his newest fellow citizens. "There are so many opportunities - you just need to make yourself a road map and get to them.

The military is the best career path and though I am not a re-enlistment officer ... I advise you, don't get out."