Born in India, fights for USA

Lieutenant Colonel Chetan Kharod maybe serving the country of his choice, but his heart beats for his birthplace. Taking part in an Indo-US exercise at Agra, the soldier talks about what makes his motherland so special

Dressed in his US Air Force overalls, Lieutenant Colonel Chetan Kharod looks every bit an American soldier. But a close look at the man makes you think again. Dark hair speckled with grey and very prominent Indian facial features hint he is not a true blue American, though he guarding the country's soil. "I have never drawn attention to my Indian origin. I was afraid it would attract unnecessary attention from the Indian media," Lt Colonel Kharod said.

A specialist in aviation surgery, Kharod joined the US Air Force about 14 years ago 'against' the wishes of his family. "They were not against my decision of joining the US Air Force, they were surprised by it. But now they are very proud of me," he said.

Lt Colonel Kharod is the joint mission director of Cope India 2009, where the forces of the two nations are honing their skills to handle disasters. He visited India last in 2004 but for him every visit is a special occasion where he gets to learn more about his origins. "I don't know whether I will get to visit Gujarat or Junagadh but I am thrilled to be in Agra. It's just a bit different that the Indian Air Force is playing host this time," he said.

But the man, who speaks fluent Gujarati, wears his traditions on his sleeves. "We belong to a great tradition which teaches us sewa as our dharma. Even in the US we follow Indian rituals; in fact we adhere to them more than others. I touch my parents' feet every morning so does my son. It teaches you to be a good human being," he said.

But where does he find India in terms of military might as compared to the US? "Indian soldiers are very hard working and professional. They are part of a great force that is making fast advances in all aspects. We are learning a lot from them," he said.

"What the US does cannot be replicated by India. They are two different countries. If India wants to become a great nation it must develop its natural creativity of things. In military terms also India is much different," he said.u00a0

Married to a girl from Vadodara, Lt Colonel Kharod is posted at Okinava in Japan under the 18th Wing of Pacific Force, UASF.

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