When Edem Martey began his Navy career at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in 2012, he mastered not only knot tying and shipboard terminology but he also had to learn how to swim and how  to become a U.S. citizen.

Martey , a native of Ghana, enlisted in the Navy with his “green card,” a Permanent Resident Card.   As a lawful permanent resident (LPR), he knew he was eligible to obtain citizenship.

At Great Lakes, his recruit division commanders provided him with the study materials needed to pass his U.S. citizenship requirements.    Once he completed Navy recruit training, he was assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas,  to become a tactical combat medical professional.  It was there he took the oath of citizenship.

“So you can imagine the joy and excitement I felt,” he added

According to Martey, obtaining his citizenship  was “a chance to work hard and secure a future for my children that my parents probably could not have given if I were still in Ghana as a young kid.

After completing his citizenship, Martey began the process for helping his wife obtain her U.S. citizenship.  After an 11-month investigation, she also became a U.S. citizen.

After completing his military enlistment obligation, Marty today works as an environmental special for BB&E Consulting Engineers and Professionals at Dobbins AFB, Georgia.  He holds advanced degrees, a PMP certification, is active in mentoring and volunteering..

“tt was one of many reasons because I had been told stories about how burdensome student loans can be,” Martey said about obtaining another degree while serving in the Navy. “There are so many opportunities for earning certifications and/or degrees while serving in the US Armed Forces.”

“ Unfortunately, many folks fail to utilize them until they are either retiring or separating,” Martey said. “I started my first master’s degree while still on active duty and completed it right before separating..“