A number of prominent Members of Congress have called on the Army to welcome all Sikhs, and not just Captain Kalsi, into the military. In August, 43 members of the House of Representatives and 6 U.S. Senators called on Defense Secretary Robert Gates to allow all Sikhs to serve in the U.S. Army. These efforts were led by Senators Robert Menendez and Kirsten Gillibrand in the Senate and Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen and Carolyn Maloney in the
House.
“I am gratified that the Army has recognized Captain Kalsi’s commitment to his faith and his desire to serve our nation in uniform,” said Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen. “As our Army increasingly engages the world, our engagement is enhanced by having a military that reflects both America’s and the world’s diversity.”