SynopsisChirag Veer Singh Sarao has become the first keshdhari Sikh American at the US Air Force Academy. He received religious accommodation to serve while maintaining his articles of faith. Sarao joined the academy on In-Processing Day and is currently undergoing boot camp. He previously earned full scholarships from ROTC programs and university acceptances. Sarao also achieved academic success and excelled in Taekwondo and water polo.Chirag Veer Singh Sarao (Pic Credit: americansikhcouncil.org)Chirag Veer Singh Sarao has become the first 'keshdhari' Sikh American to join the US Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the American Sikh Council said.A 'keshdhari' Sikh maintains unshorn hair (kesh) and beard as articles of faith.Sarao was appointed to the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) on April 4 and received the 'religious accommodation' on June 20 to serve with his articles of faith and remain grounded in his core identity, the Council said.Also Read: Indian American and ex-Google exec Sheetal Wrzesien shot dead by husband in USHe officially joined the USAF Academy on June 24, on In-Processing Day (I-Day) and is currently undergoing six weeks of boot camp.Before joining the USAF Academy, Sarao also received full scholarships from both the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and the Naval ROTC. He was also accepted into the University of Southern California and the University of Washington.The Council said Sarao had a strong academic record, was an Eagle Scout, held a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and competed on the varsity water polo team.Also Read: Indian-American teenager commands 300 US Navy cadetsThe United States Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, is one of the five federal service academies.It provides undergraduate education combined with military and leadership training, with graduates commissioned as second lieutenants in the US Air Force or the US Space Force. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now
Chirag Veer Singh Sarao becomes first Sikh American to join US Air Force Academy - The Economic Times
Chirag Veer Singh Sarao has become the first keshdhari Sikh American at the US Air Force Academy. He received religious accommodation to serve while maintaining his articles of faith. Sarao joined the academy on In-Processing Day and is currently undergoing boot camp. He previously earned full scholarships from ROTC programs and university acceptances. Sarao also achieved academic success and excelled in Taekwondo and water polo.
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