“By recognizing and honoring some of our outstanding naturalized Americans, we highlight the significant contributions that they and other immigrants have made to the fabric of our nation,"

Gonzalez said. “Today, America’s newest citizens can take inspiration from the dedicated spirit of citizenship and accomplishment exemplified by our two honorees," he added.

Hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Two were honored for their outstanding achievements and citizenship.

American by Choice awards were presented to Gen. Taguba  and Katja Bullock.

General Taguba was a distinguished Commander of the 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.  In 2004, he directed and conducted an informal investigation in the allegation of detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib Prison in Iraq.

Taguba recently retired after an outstanding military career spanning 34 years.

Katja Bullock serves as a Special Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel at the White House. Bullock, who held the same position in the Administrations of President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush, was detailed to Iraq as Director of Civilian Personnel to help set up the Coalition Provisional Authority government in Iraq and returned later to prepare for the formal transition of the government to Iraqi leaders.

The American by Choice initiative recognizes the significant achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens through civic participation, professional achievement, and responsible citizenship.

Recipients of this honor have demonstrated their commitment to our Nation and to the common civic values that unite us as Americans.

The day was also special to 25 men and women - including 13 members of the U.S. military - who took the Oath of Allegiance from Director Gonzalez and became the country’s newest U.S. citizens.

The new Americans are originally from Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Iraq, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

USCIS naturalizes nearly 700,000 individuals a year. More information about Americans by Choice and the naturalization process is available on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov ttp://www.uscis.gov.

JAVA Comment. Taguba, born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii,  retired on December 31, 2006.

He now pursues a full-time position, however, he spends all available time and energy to head a US Army mentoring program, pro bono, to train especially Asian Pacific American officers and enlisted men to succeed in their military career.

He also supports veterans advocacy groups to get legislation passed to provide benefits rightfully earned by Filipino American WW II veterans.

He welcomes invitations to speak because it provides opportunities to educate the public on the dedication and contributions to preserve freedom by Asian Pacific American soldiers. Taguba is a member of the Japanese American Veterans Association, a nationwide veterans service organization, the Asian American Veterans Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.