Soldier honors Native American heritage after religious accommodation
By Jonathan Lehrfeld
May 31, 2024, 01:39 PM
'I wear my feathers in military uniform to represent my fallen soldiers,' Maj. Patrick Sorensen told Military Times. (Sorensen/Facebook)
An Army major is celebrating one year of having earned approval to wear his hair and tribe-specific regalia items in a way that honors his Native American heritage during appropriate service ceremonies.
Maj. Patrick Sorensen, a marketing and operations officer in the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, shared photos online displaying his longer hair adorned with eagle feathers meant to commemorate fallen soldiers.
In a recent interview, the soldier shared more about the accommodation and the meaning behind the approved hairstyle and regalia.
Portions of this interview have been edited for length and clarity.
Can you discuss your background, service history and tribal affiliation?
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2024/05/31/soldier-honors-native-american-heritage-after-religious-accommodation/
