An outstanding student and Dean’s List recipient at James Madison University, Sharleen Kaur Harzall, has proved her perseverance and determination time and again. Like countless Sikhs throughout history, she displayed an undaunting “Keep Up” warrior’s spirit, overcoming obstacles, and breaking barriers. Refusing to take “no” for an answer, she persisted, pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot, until she achieved the extraordinary goal of becoming a Sikh female officer in the United States Air Force.
Mother’s Recognition of Determination, Perseverance, and Resilience
Being a mother is a thrilling experience. Watching your child take their first step, and encouraging them along the way as they face a succession of challenges, is a balancing act. Providing support while allowing them to do the hard work, and recognizing their achievements, gives them the vital self-confidence needed to succeed. Sharleen Kaur’s mother Mandeep shares her daughter’s inspirational story of perseverance.
An Inspiring Journey of Perseverance, Diversity, and Breaking Barriers
“My daughter, an Indian Sikh college student and ROTC cadet, has recently made an extraordinary leap by officially entering the U.S. Air Force Pilot Program upon commissioning as an Officer in May of 2025. Her journey was anything but easy. From facing cultural and institutional challenges to receiving a hard “no” from the Air Force Academy, her dream seemed elusive. But instead of giving up, she fought back with unmatched grit, determination, and resilience—qualities that ultimately helped her shatter the glass ceiling and break through the barriers that stood in her way.
She is now paving the way for other young women from diverse backgrounds, showing them that even when the odds are stacked against you, persistence, and belief in oneself, can truly lead to success. Her story reflects the importance of diversity in the military and the strength it takes to stay committed to a dream despite facing rejection.
Her story speaks to larger conversations around diversity, representation, and overcoming adversity. Highlighting her journey, inspiring journey of perseverance, diversity, and breaking barriers in one of the most esteemed institutions in the world, the U.S. Air Force, could inspire others who might be facing their own challenges and uncertainties in pursuit of their goals. I truly believe her story can inspire countless others, and open conversations about what it means to never give up, no matter the circumstances.” – Mandeep Sidhu Harzall
Iron Woman’s Warrior Spirit Achievements in Academia, Aviation, Awards, and the Air Force
A will of steel, a warrior’s spirit of relentless determination, an attitude of prayer, and strict discipline are the qualities of “Grit”. Sharleen Kaur’s remarkable journey has taken eight long years if grit to reach the beginning of her path as a pilot in training in the United States Airforce. This is her story in her own words.
A Journey of Grit and Determination: My Path to Becoming a Sikh Female Air Force Officer and Pilot
“My journey began in 2016 with the Civil Air Patrol, where I was introduced to the aviation industry, by my Aunt. I loved the atmosphere of camaraderie and discipline. From there, I grew to love flying and knew a career in aviation was the path I wanted to pursue.
Fast-forward, I was fortunate to be accepted into top universities like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Virginia Military Institute (VMI). However, while VMI offered a valuable experience, I realized it was more Army-focused, which was not the direction I wanted to take. The school year had already started for freshmen, and after careful consideration, I decided to remove myself from the institute. That decision only strengthened my resolve to stay focused on my goal, so I began taking remote learning classes during the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This flexibility allowed me to complete the necessary prerequisites and successfully apply for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program (AFROTC). Though I started a year later than usual, I was determined to make the most of the opportunity and still commission as an officer within, the three-year timeline. Over the next few years, I pushed myself through countless physical training tests, earning the Iron Woman Award, and Warrior Spirit Awards, respectively.
A turning point came when I was accepted to attend Field Training, an intense program that serves as a critical milestone for any aspiring officer. It was a grueling month of challenges designed to test our physical and emotional limits. Successfully passing this training allowed me to continue on the path toward becoming an officer. One highlight that I will hold dearly to my heart was having the opportunity to fly in an A-29 Tucano and pulling upwards of 5 g’s. I was one of the few selected out of the, 400 total, cadets at Field Training. This experience helped solidify my desire to fly in the United States Air Force (USAF).
Finally, upon graduation from Field Training, I secured my commission. The past three years have been the toughest of my life, filled with obstacles I could never have anticipated. But with the unwavering support of my family and the strength I found in prayer and determination, I achieved my dream.
Just last month, I was notified that I had been selected to become a pilot and attend pilot training upon commissioning next year in the USAF. I am beyond grateful and am extremely excited to reap the rewards of my hard work for the past few years. It has been a competitive and unrelenting joinery, but it all paid off in the end, despite setbacks from other points in my life, I am glad to see it all worked out in the end.
Today, as a soon-to-be Sikh female officer in the U.S. Air Force, I look back with joy on the journey that has shaped me. My story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of having a support system that believes in your potential, no matter the challenges that lie ahead. I am very grateful for the support of my parents, [Mandeep and Mickneet] twin sibling [Jasmin], and my American Grandparents who have always been proud and given so much guidance and support throughout, I am eternally grateful.” – Sharleen Kaur Harzall
