Chirag Veer Singh Sarao Becomes First Sikh American To Join USAFA

India-West News Desk

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO-Chirag Veer Singh Sarao has become the first Sikh American to join the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), according to the American Sikh Council.

Sarao was received religious accommodation on June 20, allowing him to serve while maintaining his articles of faith and Sikh identity. He officially joined the academy on June 24, known as I-Day, and is currently undergoing six weeks of boot camp.

Sarao’s admission to the USAFA followed a strong academic record. He is also an Eagle Scout and holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Before choosing the USAFA, Sarao received full scholarships from both the Air Force ROTC and Naval ROTC. He was also accepted by the University of Southern California and the University of Washington.

The ASC said its representative Kavneet Singh had mentored Sarao throughout high school and helped him prepare for admission to the military academy. Singh is also an honorary recruiter for the USAFA.

The USAFA’s four-year program combines undergraduate studies with military training and focuses on leadership, discipline and character building to prepare cadets to serve as officers in the US Air Force.

The ASC has also collaborated with the US Air Force on a flying scholarship program for Sikh American high school students, launched in 2022.

According to the organization, one or two Sikh American students aged 16 to 18 have been selected for the three-week summer program each year. The $12,500 scholarship provides leadership training and 15 hours of actual flying.