To whom it may concern:

My name is Soren S. Powell and I am seeking an officer commission in the United States Coast Guard as I have a bachelor's degree in Biological/Environmental Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.  Some people join the Military in response to a Pearl Harbor or 9/11 type of national moment.  The BP oil spill of 2010 was like a 9/11 moment for me, crystallizing my desire to join the Coast Guard.  I was even named for my great-great-grandfather, Soren Carlsen (name later Americanized to Sam Carlson) who became the Captain of a USCG station on the Great Lakes. 

However, I have non-denominational religious beliefs that prevent me from cutting my dreadlocked hair.  By signing this petition, the undersigned understand and support my effort to join the USCG with a special exemption from haircuts.  Precedent for the haircuts exemption has already exists for members of the Sikh faith, including at least one foreign-born soldier serving in the US Army.  The First Amendment to the Constitution protects the freedom of religion of all Americans, especially those Americans that are actually born here.

Sincerely,

Soren S. Powell and supporters

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