Though it is surprising to see the military suggest a connection between religion and the warfighter, it did precisely that when it highlighted US Islamic government civilians who are supporting the military’s efforts at war.

Azza Meshal. Dr. Rony Shahidain. Muhammad Mizan. Three American-Muslim engineers supporting U.S. Army to equip the Soldier with the capabilities he needs to defeat this country’s enemies abroad.

Meshal, who wears the hijab, also noted the response of her government coworkers when she continued to wear the Islamic garb immediately following the terrorist attacks in 2001:

“I came to work with my hijab, and I was really surprised with the warm welcome I got from all my colleagues,” Meshal said. “A lot of the ladies, came by and hugged me and said, ‘we know you had nothing to do with this.’ Don’t worry if you need to go out, and [let us know] if you need someone to go out with you shopping.”

Mizan even proposed that the Constitution was consistent with the Koran [Qur’an]:

“The majority of the Constitution is consistent with the Qur’an,” Mizan explained. “United States is fully consistent with Chapter 2, verse 256: ‘Let there be no compulsion in religion; let the truth stand out free of error.’ All the fundamental rights that are advocated by God in the Qur’an are being implemented here in the United States.”

Given the US government’s efforts to prove that it is not “at war with Islam,” it is understandable that it would highlight the role that American Muslims have in supporting the war effort against terrorism.

In a somewhat related story, Army veteran Kyle Hartnett is filming a documentary to show the experiences of Muslims in the US military after recounting that he only saw negative stories about Muslims in the media.