This is a wonderful story from the Snap Judgment radio show about the American melting pot, and also about personal commitment and drive.
A summary: Ravi, an immigrant from India, who is not a US citizen, wants to join the U.S. Army. But he arrives malnourished and too underweight to pass the physical exam. Plus, he's Hindu, a therefore a pacifist and a vegetarian. Also, they can't seem to pronounce his last name. Somehow, he and the Army manage to make it happen.
Listen here, as his niece Dhaya Lakshminarayanan helps tell the story.
A summary: Ravi, an immigrant from India, who is not a US citizen, wants to join the U.S. Army. But he arrives malnourished and too underweight to pass the physical exam. Plus, he's Hindu, a therefore a pacifist and a vegetarian. Also, they can't seem to pronounce his last name. Somehow, he and the Army manage to make it happen.
Listen here, as his niece Dhaya Lakshminarayanan helps tell the story.
Since I share your views regarding our government in your 'short rant' above, this story did a good job reminding me what is good about our country - and the contributions and dedication of those 'on the ground' who love it, citizen or not.
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