In a mo­men­tous com­mu­nity en­gage­ment event, the US Army team wit­nessed a sizable sec­tion of Sikh youth and their fam­i­lies, ea­gerly gath­er­ing in­for­ma­tion about non-combat mil­i­tary ca­reers like in Technology, Cybersecurity, Medicine, Clinical, Veterinary, Engineering, Law Enforcement, and more during a unique event organized by the A Little Happiness Foundation. A WSN Exclusive.

The US Army Reserve Info Session, held specifically for recent graduates and their guardians at Gurdwara Fremont, California, sought to demystify the process of enlisting and highlight the myriad opportunities within the US Army Reserve.

“It’s not just about combat; it’s about carving out a diverse range of careers -this message resonated powerfully amongst the congregation.  It’s about show­ing our youth the vast ex­panse of
pos­si­bilities, from Technology and medicine to law enforcement, within the Army Re­serve.”

On November 19, 2023, the Fremont Gurdwara witnessed a transformative career counseling event. The US Army Reserve Info symposium, a joint venture between ALHF USA and the U.S. Army Reserve, aimed to illuminate the myriad non-combat career opportunities available within the Army Reserve.

“Our vision extends beyond mere career advice; it’s about opening doors to diverse professions, from Technology to Veterinary Science,” shared Rajpal Singh, President of ALHF USA.

The US Army info session, marked by a vigorous exchange between the Army representatives and the attendees at the Gurdwara Fremont, California culminated in aspirants completing forms for information and follow-up communication. This pioneering initiative by the A Little Happiness Foundation USA is perhaps the first concerted step in taking US Army careers to the US Sikh population.

Three U.S. Army officers led the charge in this informative session, including Lieutenant Jason Doll, who emphasized, “Our aim is not just to recruit soldiers; we’re here to nurture future leaders in various fields.” He highlighted an array of careers – Cybersecurity, Engineering, and Law Enforcement, among others – underlining the Army Reserve’s commitment to educational advancement through comprehensive scholarship programs.

“Our aim is not just to recruit soldiers; we’re here to nurture future leaders in various fields.”

Lieutenant Jason Doll, US Army

The hands-on experience with an advanced combat Humvee was more than just a display of military prowess. It was a metaphor for the sophisticated, technology-driven facets of the Army Reserve, showing a path less trodden but immensely rewarding.

“The Sikhs are a martial race and military-related careers have their charm to the Sikh population. Even more than that, being a US Army Reserve is like having the best of both worlds.”

The response from the Sikh youth and their parents was overwhelming. Queries poured in, reflecting a keen interest in understanding the Army Reserve’s offerings. “This is not about picking up arms; it’s about picking up skills that will shape your future,” stated Sargeant Jason Doll, dispelling common misconceptions about military careers.

Sargent Jason Doll noted the session’s success, stating, “It was an interactive and fruitful event, particularly the dialogues with the Sikh youth. Officer Jason conveyed that a participant had initiated the enlistment process, with aspirations to pursue a medical career within the Army Reserve.

His message is clear: “The Army Reserve is a trove of untapped opportunities, from home purchases to starting businesses. It’s about serving the nation while building a personal future.”

This event marks a significant milestone in the engagement between the Sikh community and the US Army, setting a precedent for future collaboration and opening doors for the youth to serve in new and meaningful capacities.

The fervor and engagement of the Sikh youth with the US Army team’s outreach program were palpable in the air.

Rajpal Singh, reflected on the gathering’s spirit: “It’s a proud moment for our community. These young minds are the future, and today, they are stepping up to be the change-makers.”

The Army’s recruitment team, engaged in a robust dialogue with participants, fielded a barrage of inquiries from curious parents and their children.

“It’s a proud moment for our community. These young minds are the future, and today, they are stepping up to be the change-makers.”

Rajpal Singh, President, A Little Happiness Foundation, USA

“Seeing such enthusiasm from the Sikh community is truly inspiring,” one team member of the US Army remarked. “Their willingness to learn about the Army Reserve and consider a future with us is a sign of great things to come.”

Rajpal Singh, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment, stated, “Our collaboration with the U.S. Army Reserve is a step towards unveiling a world of opportunities that go beyond conventional roles. It’s about showing our youth the vast expanse of possibilities, from IT to legal services, within the Army Reserve.”

“Our aim is singular – to equip our youth with the resources to make informed career choices,”

Taran Singh, COO, ALHF USA

Members of the Gurdwara congregation expressed their excitement about the program’s outcome. “The energy and determination of our youth to integrate service to their country with their aspirations, such as in healthcare, is truly uplifting,” commented a Gurdwara member.

The ALHF USA’s approach, combining educational resources with professional mentorship, creates a robust support system. Their focus on direct mentorship, especially in the medical field, connects aspiring professionals with experienced mentors, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.

Moreover, ALHF USA’s vision of extending this outreach to various Gurdwaras across Northern California reflects their dedication to community empowerment. “We want to ensure that our community’s children have timely access to resources that empower them educationally and professionally,” shared ALHF President Rajpal Singh.

“It is ALHF’s mission to ensure that our community’s children have timely access to resources that empower them educationally and professionally,”

As this initiative gains momentum, it’s clear that ALHF USA and the U.S. Army Reserve are not just opening doors to careers; they are shaping future leaders who will thrive in diverse fields. This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and the relentless pursuit of empowering the youth.

ALHF USA’s roadmap is ambitious yet focused. It plans to replicate this successful model across Northern California’s Gurdwaras, tapping into the rich potential of the Sikh community. Their strategic expansion into medical fields, connecting youth with Sikh professionals, further underscores their commitment to holistic career development.

This initiative not only paves the way for Sikh youth to explore meaningful career options but also enhances the diversity of the US Army Reserve.

ALHF USA’s decade-long commitment to bridging educational and professional gaps in the community stands as a testament to its vision. “Our aim is singular – to equip our youth with the resources to make informed career choices,” reflects Taran Singh, COO of ALHF USA.

This partnership with the U.S. Army Reserve is not just a step but a giant leap in redefining career pathways, showcasing a multitude of possibilities lying within the realms of the military, yet beyond the battlefield.