[Vision2020] Sikh With Wiaver Graduates From Officer Course

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the Army Times at:

http://www.ArmyTimes.com

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SIKH WITH WAIVER GRADUATES

The first of two Sikhs in a generation allowed to serve without
sacrificing their articles of faith graduated March 22 from the Basic
Officer Leadership Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Capt. Tejdeep Singh Rat­tan, a 31-year-old dentist, graduated after the
Army made an exemption to a uniform policy that has effectively prevented
Sikhs from enlisting since 1984.

“I’m feeling very hum­bled. I’m a soldier,” he said, grinning after the
ceremo­ny. “This has been my dream.” Rattan had to get a waiv­er from the
Army to be allowed to serve without sacrificing the unshorn hair mandated
by his faith. An immigrant from India who arrived in New York as a
teenager, Rattan said it was important for him to serve a country that has
given him so many opportunities.

The Army eliminated an exemption in 1984 that had previously allowed Sikhs
to maintain their articles of faith while serving, but offi­cials can
issue individual waivers to the uniform poli­cy, Army spokesman George
Wright said.

Rattan and Dr. Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, who will attend basic training this
summer, are the first Sikhs to receive exemptions in more than 25 years.

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Captain Tajdeep Singh Rattan, center, wearing a turban, graduates from an
officer course March 22 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

http://tinyurl.com/CPT-Tejdeep-Singh-Rattan

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Ya see, V-peeps . . .

In spite of the fear mongering that you may read in a local blahg-rag,
there is one characteristic that ALL people share . . .

We are all human.  Some of use merely more so than others.

Seeya round town, Moscow, even you Mr. Blog-Stalker.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown