Tragic story I heard on the Osgood Files about a soldier who died

[CatWoman]

trying to become a citizen:

Young men and women from other countries who enlist to fight in the US armed forces. become eligible for citizenship.

"In my son's case, they put him through hell trying to get this citizenship." said Michelle Murphy.

Specialist Kendall Frederick lived in the US since he was TWO when his mother brought him here from Trinidad.

"In my son's case, they put him through hell trying to get this citizenship." said Murphy.

Kendell's story after this for Hostway.

Kendall Frederick joined the US Army to apply for citizenship. But he got a form letter saying he could not be accepted because the army clerk failed to sign his fingerprint card. Emilio Gonzales. director of the citizenship and immigration service.

"In my son's case, they put him through hell trying to get this citizenship." said Emilio Gonzales.

Kendall called his mother from Iraq. and said he'd get the prints done there.

"He said I'll call you when I get it and he never got the chance." said Murphy.

Kendall was KILLED when his convoy hit a roadside bomb. His mother showed our David Martin the letter she got from Kendell's commanding officer.

"Although he did not often go out on convoys, Kendall went to Anaconda, that's the name of the base that day to get his fingerprints for his citizenship packet." said CBS NEWS CORRESPONDENT DAVID MARTIN.

"I mean it felt like somebody turned a knife that was already in my stomach." said Murphy.

Said Martin to Gonzales.

"This kid was killed by red tape." said Martin.

"This kid was killed, I wouldn't go so far as to say by red tape. This kid was killed serving his country." said Gonzales.

On the day of his funeral his parents were given Kendell's proof of citizenship.

"So, while he's alive: " said Martin.

"Right it took almost a year and he still never got it but in death it took him a couple of minutes to get it." said Murphy.

Doesn't seem right, does it.

"He had to die to get his citizenship." said Martin.

"Tragic isn't it. Very tragic." said Gonzales.

"Do you think it will ever happen again?" said Martin

"God I hope not." said Gonzales.

He was buried at Arlington National cemetery in a place of honor for fallen Americans. The Osgood File. Charles Osgood on the CBS Radio Network.


http://www.westwoodone.com/pg/jsp/osgood/transcript.jsp?pid=8034