In October of 1999, Jolly Ndaanee, his wife Veronica, and their two children Ledum and Rose arrived in Richmond, VA.  The Ndaanee family had fled Nigeria through Benin as refugees with the assistance of Church World Service and the Virginia Council of Churches the family was resettled in Richmond under the sponsorship of the Colonial Place and Springfield Christian Churches.  Recently Ledum was awarded the “Outstanding American by Choice” recognition, which highlights the outstanding achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens, during a White House naturalization ceremony for 24 members of the United States Armed Forces.

Sergeant (Sgt.) Ledum D. Ndaanee was born in Nigeria on May 2, 1982. At the age of 16, he moved to the United States with his family, settling in Richmond, VA. After attending a local community college, Sgt. Ndaanee had his heart set on serving his new country by joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He enlisted in September 2004.

Sgt. Ndaanee deployed to Iraq on two separate occasions with the 1st Battalion, 2d Marines in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On August 4, 2007, while assigned as a turret gunner conducting combat operations, he suffered a concussion and traumatic brain injury as the result of an improvised explosive device.

While recovering from his injuries at Wounded Warrior Battalion-East in Camp Lejeune, NC, Sgt. Ndaanee played a vital role in the recovery process of his fellow Marines and Sailors. He was instrumental in encouraging others to overcome their injuries by serving as a mentor. After recovering from his wounds, Sgt. Ndaanee achieved an important milestone in his life by becoming a U.S. citizen in November 2007.

Sgt. Ndaanee is currently serving as the non-commissioned Officer-in-Charge of the Warrior Athlete Reconditioning (WAR) Program’s Strength and Conditioning Team and is also a member of the aquatics team within Wounded Warrior Battalion-East. Over the course of his military career, Sgt. Ndaanee has been recognized with several honors including the Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart Combat Action Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Now, we have one other piece of business.  Would Sergeant Ledum Ndaanee please come forward.  There he is.  How are you, sir?

SERGEANT NDAANEE:  Hello, sir.

THE PRESIDENT:  Growing up in Nigeria, Ledum probably never imagined he’d be standing on this stage today.

SERGEANT NDAANEE:  That’s right, sir.

THE PRESIDENT:  Neither did I.  (Laughter.)  But thanks to the generosity of churches in Virginia, he and his parents found a home in the United States.  And Ledum, who says “I always wanted to be in the military,” found his calling in the United States Marine Corps.

He deployed to Iraq, and was serving his second tour when his unit was struck by an improvised explosive device.  In the weeks and months that followed, he battled to recover from traumatic brain injury.  At a VA medical center, with his parents at his side, he was presented a Purple Heart.  And a few moments later, he was sworn in as an American citizen.

This Marine was not only determined to recover, he was determined to help others.  He has been a leader and mentor to his fellow wounded warriors.  In fact, I hear he’s quite an athlete --

SERGEANT NDAANEE:  Yes, sir.

THE PRESIDENT:  -- he agrees.  (Laughter.)  He will compete next month in the first Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympic training center in Colorado.

So for his distinguished service to country, and for inspiring us all with his example of what citizenship truly means, I am proud to join the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in presenting this recognition -- the “Outstanding American by Choice” award -- to Sergeant Ledum Ndaanee.  Do we have the award?  (Applause.)