Alumni Update: Raj Agrawal, Captain, USAF

Raj Agrawal graduated from SAGU in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Church Ministries.  An officer in the United States Air Force for the past eight years, Agrawal works in the field of space operations & missile defense and has won several awards.  The Agrawals currently live in Hickham, Hawaii.

Raj learned about SAGU from a friend and transferred from Zion Bible Institute in 1993.  New to Christianity, Raj knew he wanted a Christ-centered education to prepare him for worship ministry.  “I didn't know it until many years later, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Raj commented.

While at SAGU, Raj was very involved in the music and theater departments.  He loved sitting on the swing in front of Savell Hall and meeting new people.  Agrawal later earned his MBA from Touro University and is ABD in his Ph.D. program.

Agrawal entered the Air Force in 2001 and became commissioned as an officer. He intended to only serve a four-year stint before returning to a life of full-time teaching and ministry.

The attacks of September 11, 2001, occurred while Agrawal was in basic training.  “The entire military felt the impact, but I took the event to heart,” Agrawal commented.  “I knew I could be part of doing something to protect our nation and the freedoms our Constitution stands for.  My perspective changed that day, and I knew I would stay in the Air Force for as long as they would have me.”

Captain Agrawal currently serves as a U.S. Air Force Weapons Officer and part of the Space Operations career field.  His primary area of expertise is in missile warning and defense systems.

Agrawal has completed numerous military training courses, including Air Force Weapons School, USMC Warfighter Basic Course, and Squadron Officers School.  He has earned several awards, including Officer of the Year, the General Hinman Award, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Raj met his wife, Wendy (Winkler), at SAGU.  The two will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary in May and have three children, Daniel (5), Asha (3), and Ethan (6 months).  Agrawal has been involved in music and pastoral ministry in the various places he has been stationed.