Identical twins Melissa Ventura-Benel, center, and Meilyn Ventura-Benel take the U.S. Army oath of enlistment at the U.S. Army East Bay Recruiting Company, in Hayward, Calif., Feb. 4, 2011. The twins, from Vallejo, Calif., decided to enlist into the Army just days before their mother died of cancer on Christmas Eve. Both are Peruvian and will earn their U.S. citizenship by serving in the United States military. They say it will advance their career opportunities, help them afford college, and provide them with an opportunity to serve their country.

The twins hug their aunt, Juanana Juliachs, after they took the oath.