Washington • The U.S. Air Force has granted a religious accommodation to an active duty Sikh airman that will allow him to wear a turban, beard and unshorn hair in accordance with his faith.
In a statement, Airman 1st Class Harpreetinder Singh Bajwa said he was "overjoyed that the Air Force has granted my religious accommodation. Today, I feel that my country has embraced my Sikh heritage, and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity."
Bajwa serves as a crew chief at the McChord Air Force base near Lakewood, Washington. The Air Force's decision to allow him to maintain traditional Sikh customs in regard to his appearance is a "historic" first, says the American Civil Liberties Union.