U.S. military servicemember Joseph Yawson has become a citizen of the United States, describing the achievement as the fulfillment of a long and difficult journey.

Yawson was among a dozen people from 11 different countries who took part in a naturalization ceremony and officially became U.S. citizens.

For Yawson, the moment carried special meaning because of his service in the U.S. military and the years he spent completing the citizenship process. He described the journey as challenging, saying it was a “very tough process.”

With citizenship now secured, Yawson said he is looking forward to enjoying life in America. “When my time comes, I want to retire,” he said. “I want to enjoy America.”

The naturalization ceremony marked an important milestone not only for Yawson but also for the other new citizens, who officially joined the American citizenry after completing the required process.

For Yawson, the occasion was a celebration of perseverance, service and the opportunity to build the next chapter of his life as an American citizen.