Face of Defense: Sudanese Emigrants Become U.S. Citizens Together
- Two Sudanese soldiers united in the U.S. Army reflect on their past.
- Army Spc. Marlesh Mbory became a U.S. citizen during a ceremony.
- Military service helped both men find hope and purpose in America.
- Army Spc. Magdi Ahmed sought freedom and opportunities through enlistment.
- Both soldiers’ experiences reveal the struggles faced by emigrants.
Together as Soldiers, United by Shared Experiences
Two soldiers from Sudan, bound by a common fate, found themselves in an unusual camaraderie amid a deployment in Iraq. The individuals represent two sides of Sudan’s complex history — one being a Christian from southern Sudan while the other identifies as a Muslim from the north. Despite their starkly different backgrounds and the painful legacy of a civil war that ravaged their nation for over two decades, these men have forged a bond, united now under the U.S. Army banner as interpreters.
Naturalization Ceremony Marks a New Beginning
A pivotal moment in their lives arrived when both soldiers became naturalized U.S. citizens during a ceremony held on March 3 at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad. Army Specialist Marlesh Mbory expressed his love for both his job and his newfound country, stating, “I love my job, and I love my new country. I’m grateful to be American.” Mbory’s journey to this point has been cluttered with hardships; after losing close family in the civil conflict, he fled across borders, ultimately settling in Lincoln, Nebraska, home to many former Sudanese citizens. Upon reaching the U.S., he faced new challenges, but his daughter’s help in learning English and the dream of reuniting with family in Sudan fueled his determination.
Struggles Forge New Opportunities for Ahmed
Meanwhile, Army Specialist Magdi Ahmed shared his similar trajectory of hardship and hope. Born in Saudi Arabia to Sudanese parents and later facing racism and discrimination in both Saudi Arabia and Sudan, he sought a better life in America. “I moved to the U.S. for freedom, for better opportunities, for a better life,” Ahmed said. After an arduous start where he faced obstacles like forced retirement of his father and unfair education practices, he successfully moved to the U.S., where a family friend provided the support he needed to rebuild his life. Ahmed’s experiences sparked a desire not just to pursue his own dreams, but to contribute positively to his new homeland, reflecting on the concept of justice he found lacking in his home countries.
The stories of Specialist Marlesh Mbory and Specialist Magdi Ahmed highlight the resilience of those who come to America seeking new beginnings. Their journeys from the turmoil of Sudan underscore a shared determination for a hopeful future. Both soldiers, now U.S. citizens, epitomize the strength and unity that can arise from overcoming adversity.
