SACRAMENTO - Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante recently honored Ms. Ranbir Kaur with a resolution in recognition of her outstanding dedication to her community and her country.

From Left to Right: Balbir Kaur Bal, Ranbir Kaur, Gurcharan Singh Mann, Bicky Singh, Mahan Singh Nijjar, Lt Governor Cruz Bustamante and Harbhjan Singh Bal

"I am pleased to commend Ranbir Kaur for her commitment to serving our great state and our nation and for actively pursuing her dream to help others as a nurse," Bustamante said in a statement. "Her dedication to her Sikh community and her country should not go unnoticed. She is a model citizen for her community."

A native of Punjab, India, Ms. Kaur grew up in Earlimart, California, where her family owns a small vineyard. Two days after her 17th birthday, while still in high school, Ms. Kaur eagerly enlisted in the California National Guard as a means to serve her country and pursue a nursing career. Since graduating from Delano High School with honors, she has devoted hundreds of hours to community service, volunteering at a local convalescence home.

While women are playing

Ranbir Kaur and Lt. Governor Cruz. Bustamante

an increasing role in our armed forces, there is still a small number of South Asian or East Indian women who have signed up to serve.

Sikhpoint.com, a California-based Sikh resource organization, and other Sikh leaders have been extremely proud and supportive of Ms. Kaur's participation in the United States military. Bicky Singh, a spokesperson for Sikhpoint.com stated, "We hope her initial leadership will encourage many other young people of our community to find military service to be a rewarding opportunity to serve their country while also focusing on their career goals."

"I am really honored that the Lt. Governor would acknowledge my efforts," said Ms. Kaur. "He is a true champion of diversity and women in the United States Armed Forces." Ms. Kaur will leave for advanced National Guard training in December. Upon the completion of her training, she will be posted to Afghanistan. Until her deployment, she will be continuing her education at Bakersfield College.