BY SONAM MIRPURI
LOS ANGELES, CA - Presents given to us in childhood especially by loved and trusted individuals can spark and ignite an incredible imagination in which the end result can be one that was never foreseen. Jaydevsinh Ghanshyamsinh Zala, 21, was gifted with a special toy as a toddler from his father which inspired his...
LOS ANGELES, CA - Presents given to us in childhood especially by loved and trusted individuals can spark and ignite an incredible imagination in which the end result can be one that was never foreseen. Jaydevsinh Ghanshyamsinh Zala, 21, was gifted with a special toy as a toddler from his father which inspired his...
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career choice and how he continues to live his life today. “I have dreamed of being an Air Force Pilot since the young age of two when my father gifted me a toy Air Force plane for my second birthday,” said Zala.
At the time no one could have imagined that a simple United States Air Force toy plane would have impacted and motivated such a love from the child who would later grow up to join the Air Force Academy with the desire to become an Air Force Pilot.
“As I grew older, I realized the best way to become a pilot for the United States Air Force was through the Academy. Another very important reason for my interest was the opportunities that the US has offered my parents,” said Zala.
As a result of the Air Force toy plane and other circumstances, at the age of 17 Zala decided to join the United States Air Force Academy. “Being a first generation American, I have witnessed the struggles my parents have faced and how they have overcome many of their challenges by meeting the opportunities America has given them – head on,” said Zala.
Inspired by his parents who did not let any obstacles or hardships get in their way, Zala decided to demonstrate his appreciation of the opportunities presented to him by his parents and his country by giving back to his nation.
During his time at the Air Force Academy, Zala learned an assortment of lessons which have helped him become the man that he is today. “My experience at the Air Force Academy has been four years of constant growth. I have been challenged mentally and physically every day where I learned how to become a leader of character,” said Zala. While in the academy Zala accomplished many goals. He became squadron commander which presented him with challenges and more responsibilities. “Being a squadron commander was the most difficult and rewarding position I held during my cadet career. I was in charge of about 110 cadets ranging from the ages of 17-27 for all four years,” said Zala. Not only did he have to take care of himself but he was also held accountable for other cadets in his squad.
“My responsibilities included but were not limited to the health, morale, and welfare of the squadron. I was in charge of establishing squadron goals, processes, policies, and mechanisms to achieve success,” said Zala.
Zala was also a Basic Cadet Training element leader in which he was in charge of about 30 basic cadets ensuring they were receiving the correct training. “I also took the jump course over the summer at USAFA. After a week of daily training I conducted five solo freefall sky dive jumps. The Academy is one of the only places in the world that offers this program,” said Zala.
At almost the end of Zala’s time at the academy, he was bestowed with a Religious Respect Award through the Cadet Interfaith Council, which is awarded to a member who consistently displays honesty, gratitude, reliability, humanity, and leadership.
After a two- day graduation ceremony, Zala and his classmates were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in The United States Air Force. On May 23, Zala and his classmates were presented with diplomas, walked across the stage, and shook hands with Defense Secretary James Mattis which was followed by a salute and a hat toss as Air Force Thunderbirds zoomed overhead.
“That was one of the most memorable moments of my life. It was an unreal feeling of accomplishment,” said Zala.
Upon completion of the Air Force Academy, Zala is enthusiastic about beginning the next challenging and rewarding endeavors of his life. “My short-term goals are to graduate Undergraduate Pilot Training at the top of my class and fly my dream planes which are the F-22 and F-35. My long-term life goal is to attain Sthitpragna which is to attain equilibrium and balance in all aspects of life,” said Zala.
At the time no one could have imagined that a simple United States Air Force toy plane would have impacted and motivated such a love from the child who would later grow up to join the Air Force Academy with the desire to become an Air Force Pilot.
“As I grew older, I realized the best way to become a pilot for the United States Air Force was through the Academy. Another very important reason for my interest was the opportunities that the US has offered my parents,” said Zala.
As a result of the Air Force toy plane and other circumstances, at the age of 17 Zala decided to join the United States Air Force Academy. “Being a first generation American, I have witnessed the struggles my parents have faced and how they have overcome many of their challenges by meeting the opportunities America has given them – head on,” said Zala.
Inspired by his parents who did not let any obstacles or hardships get in their way, Zala decided to demonstrate his appreciation of the opportunities presented to him by his parents and his country by giving back to his nation.
During his time at the Air Force Academy, Zala learned an assortment of lessons which have helped him become the man that he is today. “My experience at the Air Force Academy has been four years of constant growth. I have been challenged mentally and physically every day where I learned how to become a leader of character,” said Zala. While in the academy Zala accomplished many goals. He became squadron commander which presented him with challenges and more responsibilities. “Being a squadron commander was the most difficult and rewarding position I held during my cadet career. I was in charge of about 110 cadets ranging from the ages of 17-27 for all four years,” said Zala. Not only did he have to take care of himself but he was also held accountable for other cadets in his squad.
“My responsibilities included but were not limited to the health, morale, and welfare of the squadron. I was in charge of establishing squadron goals, processes, policies, and mechanisms to achieve success,” said Zala.
Zala was also a Basic Cadet Training element leader in which he was in charge of about 30 basic cadets ensuring they were receiving the correct training. “I also took the jump course over the summer at USAFA. After a week of daily training I conducted five solo freefall sky dive jumps. The Academy is one of the only places in the world that offers this program,” said Zala.
At almost the end of Zala’s time at the academy, he was bestowed with a Religious Respect Award through the Cadet Interfaith Council, which is awarded to a member who consistently displays honesty, gratitude, reliability, humanity, and leadership.
After a two- day graduation ceremony, Zala and his classmates were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in The United States Air Force. On May 23, Zala and his classmates were presented with diplomas, walked across the stage, and shook hands with Defense Secretary James Mattis which was followed by a salute and a hat toss as Air Force Thunderbirds zoomed overhead.
“That was one of the most memorable moments of my life. It was an unreal feeling of accomplishment,” said Zala.
Upon completion of the Air Force Academy, Zala is enthusiastic about beginning the next challenging and rewarding endeavors of his life. “My short-term goals are to graduate Undergraduate Pilot Training at the top of my class and fly my dream planes which are the F-22 and F-35. My long-term life goal is to attain Sthitpragna which is to attain equilibrium and balance in all aspects of life,” said Zala.
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