Columbus, Ohio: January 24, 2014. (PCP) The World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR) is encouraged by the decision of the US Military in easing of the regulations governing turbans, beards, and religious articles by considering members of the Sikh and other Faiths who had been adversely impacted in being able to serve their country. The Pentagon has shown some understanding of the diverse population in our great nation and taken a step forward so that any citizen, regardless of Faith, is able to be considered to serve and fulfill his/her patriotic duty, without impinging on their religious obligations. President Obama and everyone in Pentagon must continue to be encouraged to make this possible. The WSC–AR acknowledges the tireless efforts of the Sikh Coalition along with many others including, Major Kalsi, Capt. Rattan, and Spc. Lamba, who currently are proudly serving in the US Army. WSC-AR collaborated with the authorities for a period of nearly a year in 2006 thereby helping to move towards this effort which has slowly progressed to this position today. The Sikh Coalition is to be congratulated for this continued struggle and incremental progress with this decision. The World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR) is the umbrella organization representative of Sikhs in the United States. It is an elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras and institutions. Currently 55 Gurdwaras and other Sikh institutions across the nation are members of WSC-AR. The major governing purpose of the organization is to represent the collective view of Sikhs in the United States. WSC-AR works to promote Sikh interests at the national and international level focusing on issues of advocacy, education, and well-being of humankind.