Naturalized citizen, Crestview resident shares her love of the U.S.

CRESTVIEW — As Americans celebrate their nation’s independence, naturalized citizens throughout North Okaloosa County join in the celebration.

Among them is Isabelle Mills, who as a Frenchwoman volunteering at the USO in her native Marseilles, fell in love with an American Navy officer.

Helping young Americans far from their homes came naturally to the then Isabelle Hugues.

“Memories of World War II were still vivid in my parents' minds,” she said. “During my childhood I only heard positive comments about America.

“As a child, I was so impressed when my mother told me that her red flower dress that I found so pretty was donated by American women during the war. Not only had American soldiers saved France, but their wives had taken care of my mother by dressing her so beautifully.”

FIRST VISIT TO AMERICA

In 1971, Isabelle, then 21, had an opportunity to spend a summer with a host family in Michigan.

“They treated me like their own daughter and I felt right at home,” Isabelle said. “Everything looked new and wonderful to me. I was so happy there that I went back the following summer.”

Volunteering at the Marseilles USO between 1978 to 1986 gave Isabelle the chance to socialize with Americans whose ships called at the ancient port.

“I loved that job because I met many brave, kind and interesting people,” she said. “So, of course when out of the blue one day, this charming, handsome naval officer appeared at the USO, I could not resist.”

The couple could further interact when Lt. Cmdr. Jim Mills and his crew volunteered to help Isabelle and friends from her church with a project.

“I asked them, ‘Who wants shore leave tomorrow?’” Jim Mills said. “Of course every guy raised his hand. I said, ‘Fine. First you have to help paint an orphanage.’”

MARRIAGE AND CITIZENSHIP

One thing led to another, which led to an April 12, 1986 trip down the aisle at the Naval Amphibious Base Chapel in Virginia Beach, where the appropriately named Chaplain Love united the couple in marriage.

“This is how, on a beautiful March 10, 1993, in New Orleans, after months of paper work, reading the book and taking the test, I became a proud American citizen,” Isabelle said.

“Sure, my French accent did not vanish as I was sworn by the judge, and though I don't deny my roots and my heritage, I am grateful for this great country where I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…”

The couple retired to Crestview. Isabelle works several days a week at the Eglin commissary, while Jim feeds the geese in the pond near their home.

Both volunteer for the Crestview Area Sister City Program, of which Jim is the past president, assuring Isabelle’s countrymen receive the same warm welcome she first experienced in America back in ‘71.

“It has been 30 years since we were married,” Isabelle said. “What I thought of as my dream was in fact my destiny.

“I am where I am supposed to be, here in Crestview, in Florida, in America and I feel blessed.”