Crossing paths to citizenship...

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – A Laos native was given the Oath of Allegiance from the same man who granted her and her family residency in the U.S. more than twenty years ago, during a naturalization ceremony held at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 12.

Army Spc. Veha Vaene, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, was among 134 U.S. servicemembers who took the oath of citizenship led by Robert Looney, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services district director, Bangkok district, Thailand.

Looney realized he had done her paperwork in 1987 while examining the forms in her file for the naturalization process.

“When I looked through the file that contained all her paperwork, I had seen my signature on the forms,” said Looney. “I looked at her picture in the file, she was only two then, and she was crying in the photo.”

Vaene and her family left Laos and headed to a camp in Thailand where they applied for U.S. resident status as refugees through Looney’s office.    

“In June 1987 he approved my family to come to the United States,” said Vaene. “We got to the United States in February 1988.”

Vaene couldn’t put in words how she felt about the coincidence, “I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s very cool.”

Looney said his job is hard but often worthwhile.

“We wear a lot of hats in our agency and we love doing the naturalization portion of it. Refugee resettlement is also rewarding,” said Looney. “We travel all over the world and make really tough decisions on who we’re going to allow into the United State. It’s not always easy.”

Vaene said now that she is a full citizen of the U.S. it will give her better odds for success in the future.

“Some companies ask if you’re a U.S. citizen, and sometimes they’ll say, ‘Oh, sorry we can’t hire you,’” Vaene said. “I couldn’t get my security clearance because I’m not a U.S. citizen, so now I can put my foot in that door and get better jobs.”

Vaene plans to continue her education and use her skills she has developed within her time in the military, among other things she’s wanted to do.

“I plan to finish school and use my warrior leadership skills and work in the civilian side,” stated Vaene. “I feel accomplished and very proud of myself. I serve the states and live in the states and I feel I should become a citizen. Now I can vote.”