May is a month that celebrates the contributions of Americans to the nation’s history and the Defense Department’s commitment to readiness and excellence. Army Lt. Col. Deepa Hariprasad, a skilled audiologist and leader, exemplifies the warrior ethos through her steadfast service and dedication to upholding military standards.
Born in Mysore, India, in 1977, Hariprasad moved to the United States at age 3 when her parents sought greater opportunities for their family. Her parents, both from India, chose to build a new life here, driven by a vision of prosperity and growth. In their household, they spoke Tamil and Kannada with friends, but used English with their children, fostering clear communication. Hariprasad values the strong family bonds she grew up with, noting annual reunions that reinforced unity and resilience—traits she carries into her military career.
While she embraced modern paths over some traditional customs from India, Hariprasad finds joy in preparing the country’s diverse cuisine, often opting for vegetarian dishes, and appreciates its rich storytelling through films. These interests reflect her adaptability and resourcefulness, qualities that have served her well in uniform.
In 2003, Hariprasad earned a direct commission into the Army as an audiologist in the medical branch. “I wanted to challenge myself, serve my country, and experience new horizons,” she said. As an audiologist, she diagnoses and treats hearing loss while prioritizing prevention, ensuring warfighter readiness. “Educating patients and teaching service members about hearing protection is what I enjoy most—it’s where I make a real impact,” she said, highlighting her commitment to improving lives through expertise and care.
Hariprasad’s early career required her to develop leadership skills under pressure. “The military pushed me to master public speaking, hold others accountable, and tackle tough decisions with confidence,” she said. “These weren’t strengths I had growing up, but the Army and Air Force forged them in me.” Across 16 years of active duty—including five years as an audiologist in the Air Force—she transformed into a disciplined officer, ready to lead and uphold standards. “I learned to act decisively and do what’s right, no matter the challenge,” she added.
“It’s a privilege to provide healthcare to veterans and their families who give so much,” she said. “Service has sharpened my discipline and physical fitness, which bolsters mental resilience—key to meeting the demands of military life.” The camaraderie, teamwork, and travel opportunities she’s gained further fuel her dedication to the mission.
Now the director of the Audiology and Speech Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, Hariprasad leads with distinction. Her achievements include earning the “Best of the Best” Clinic Award for exceptional patient satisfaction, sustaining operations during the COVID-19 pandemic with over 12,000 patients served in 2020, and overseeing hearing readiness exams across the National Capital Region. She supervises 14 military and civilian staff, whose outstanding work has earned command-level recognition, and has maintained the Retiree at Cost Hearing Aid Program despite staffing shortages. She also secured over $500,000 to launch Walter Reed’s first pediatric hearing aid program, enhancing care for beneficiaries.
Before Walter Reed, Hariprasad conducted hearing tests for over 100,000 soldiers and noise-exposed civilians, ensuring pre- and post-deployment readiness. Her contributions reflect a unity of purpose in supporting the force’s warfighting capability through health and resilience.
Married in 2002, a year before her commission, Hariprasad’s husband, Air Force Maj. Nkumu B. Mandungu, serves as a war planner with the Air National Guard. Together, they raise two children, Amanda, 11, and Samantha, 8, balancing family with their shared commitment to service.