It has been a decade since U.S. armed forces—with the United Kingdom and the Afghan Northern Alliance—launched what has become America’s longest war, Operation Enduring Freedom, in Afghanistan. And, in addition to recognizing the heroism of those who work to keep America safe, it is worth praising the contributions of an often overlooked group: America’s non-citizen soldiers.

Since 9/11, more than 70,000 immigrants have become U.S. citizens while serving. One of them is Sergeant First Class Ramel Turic. A refugee from Bosnia’s civil war, Turic immigrated to America in his teens, joined the Army, and served three combat tours (one in Afghanistan and two in Iraq).