My blessings go out to Mr. Gomez (and the other men and women in all the armed forces of the US) for their service and support of the principles that comprise FREEDOM...it is with gratitude and respect that I (a caucasian man) say "THANK YOU"....I'm happy to hear about your naturalization as an American Citizen, and saddened about the death of your comrades and your own wounds...may you heal quickly (and know that you are in the prayers, hearts and minds of many, MANY people around the world).......Thanks Kevin for sharing this great article.

To Lcpl. Gomez, Bless you & know there are many people out there that want you to know how grateful we are to you for your service to our country. My oldest son is a Marine and his younger brother is going to boot camp in June and both know that all Marines are brothers for life, regardless of race or class he/she came from. Please know that as a mom of a Marine, and soon to be a mother of two Marines I see every young Marine as my own son & care about all of you. Congratulations on your citizenship as I know it will probably mean more to you than many Americans who take what we have for granted. I wish for you a speedy recovery and best wishes to you and your family. Thanks Kevin for sharing this. God Bless you Lcpl Gomez, Jan Coker Davis, CA. (One son home from War and both to eventually go!)

God Bless you Lcpl. Gomez. I sent my children this article today as a lesson in what price some of our SONS and DAUGHTERS pay for freedom. He absolutely deserves citizenship - if I had the ability to give it I would be only too honored to bestow it - making sure my children knew every detail of his valor and what it meant to their ability to sit calmly in a small Texas school and learn the lessons of the day, go to Prom, play sports..smile and visit with their friends. I wish the same for his family...

Thank you Lcpl. Gomez for your service to our country. And to you Kevin for a wonderful article. The US has always had immigrants in its Armed Services, and the son's and daughters of immigrants who are grateful for the opportunities the US has given us.

Lcpl. Gomez should be given his citizenship, he has earned it.

It's not much, but if our paths ever cross, dinner's on me.

Edited by author 05-17-2004 06:04 PM
What a good article, Kevin. Thank you for telling this young man's story. Would you please pass on to Lcpl. Gomez and his family how much his service is appreciated? As far as I am concerned, his debt is more than paid in full. He is now a citizen, and should be treated as such - he has certainly earned that. This article was a very good lesson; you never know when you are encountering a hero on the street or in the store, or wherever you may be. Our men and women serving in the military shouldn't have to be wearing their uniform in order to be treated well.

Great article, my hat's off to Gomez and the many other military personnel in country. I know another young marine, currently in country, who arrived illegally several years ago. He is now a legal alien, and we are all hoping he will obtain US citizenship while in the service of his adopted country.

As with most Americans, our hearts and prayers support the most difficult circumstances these young patriots face.

Kevin, good Article on Lcpl. Gomez.

Just so you know the Rio Grande is the international boudary between Mexico and the US only in a small part of New Mexico and all of Texas.

Semper Fi Carlos.

My son just arrived in Iraq, (Ramadi) to replace the men that have been wounded and killed. This is his second tour in country. I wish all the Marines in that area luck. As always, If you can't be safe, BE CAREFUL.

Damn. Kevin writes a great story and people want to make it political. Carlos appreciates the opportunities in the US, and understands bigotry. He's the kind of person who will make a difference in the world, unlike those who throw insults or whine about how he was treated.

Semper Fi, Marine.

o yea..
USA hires illegal migrants to army...
how do they tax their salaries?

the next step - send the figutives to Iraq..
"La policia is outsorsing their backpain"