Chirag Veer Singh Sarao has become the first ‘keshdhari’ Sikh American to join the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the American Sikh Council said.
A ‘keshdhari’ Sikh maintains the natural length of their hair (kesh) and beard as articles of faith.
Sarao was appointed to the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) on April 4 and received religious accommodation on June 20, allowing him to serve while keeping his articles of faith and remaining true to his Sikh identity, the council said.
He then joined the USAF Academy on June 24, the In-Processing Day (I-Day), and is currently undergoing a six-week boot camp.
Before joining the US Air Force Academy, Sarao received full scholarships from both the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and the Naval ROTC. He was also given full scholarships by the University of Southern California and the University of Washington.
With a strong academic record, Eagle Scout honours, a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, besides being a member of the university's water polo team, he was considered an ideal candidate for both the Air Force and the Navy.
The United States Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, is one of the five federal service academies. After completing his military and leadership training, Sarao will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in either the US Air Force or the US Space Force.
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