The three however add that it pains them to see people from their community and other minorities being made targets of hate crimes and stressed the need for spreading awareness among people about the cultures and histories of immigrants.

"It makes my blood boil to see a hate crime against anyone, not just a Sikh. It is inexcusable in this day and age. These hate crimes are going to continue to happen not just against Sikhs but against all minorities until we can fully embrace our differences," Kalsi said.

"This is a question about what an American looks like. An American looks like a guy who has a beard and wears an Army turban, we are up against that notion of what is an American," he said.

Kalsi added that support from the President, Congress and military is required to "push back against the hate in a constructive way".

"Allowing Sikhs into the military, by supporting women into the military, by supporting people and minorities of all colour and religions in the military will make a stronger military and will make us a stronger community."

Lamba said he feels "very bad" when he hears of incidents like the Wisconsin gurudwara shooting in which six Sikh person were gunned down by a white supremacist.

"One on hand we are serving the country and on the other there are people who because of lack of awareness target Sikhs. This is ignorance," he said, adding that there are other people who also thank them for serving the country.

"There are people who do not see my beard or turban but my service to the country."

"It will take time but we are getting there slowly," he added.

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