Future US Air Force fighter pilot vows to defend PHL

Boys dream of flying fighter jets like F16s or MiG21s but only a handful become fighter pilots of the US Air Force Academy (USAFA). Filipino cadet Jeremy Revereza is one of the chosen few.

 

Seventeen-year-old  Jeremy was an incoming sophomore  at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman when he received an invitation to study at USAFA  in Colorado, USA.   The academy usually invites only one or two Filipinos annually. 

 

Prospective cadets cannot apply at USAFA  but they may be nominated. In Jeremy’s case, the Philippine government nominated him through the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)  program where he was enlisted. 

 

USAFA’s official website describes the academy as  “unique in its dual role as both an Air Force installation and a university.”  It is home to the 10th Air Base Wing of the US Air Force.

 

Jeremy, the eldest of  two siblings, has had military instruction for over four years. He told GMA News Online, “In high school, I was part of the Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines, a program of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).  I was corps commander of the 149th Squadron of  Veritas Parochial School in BF Homes, Paranaque City.” 

 

He won awards in training events  and  represented the Philippines  in the 2011 International Air Cadet Exchange in Singapore. “Humagulgol”

 

Joseph, his father, recounts his family’s reaction upon reading the email from Colonel Rick Matton, air attache of the US Embassy Manila. “We thought it was a scam. We did the research. The Philippine military and the US Embassy confirmed  the nomination was authentic.  We just thanked God for such a blessing,” Joseph said.

 

Days before his departure,  Jeremy's family and friends became emotional. His dad confessed, “On D-day, we cried a river. Hindi ako umiyak, humagulgol ako! We would do anything and everything to support our son.” 

 

It became easier for the family when pictures started coming in and when they started communicating through  Viber, Twitter, and Facebook. 

 

Aiming high

 

Jeremy plans to graduate with degrees in both aeronautical engineering and in military strategies and tactics. 

 

“I want to learn as much as I can. I aim to graduate with honors,”  he says.

 

Jeremy, a member of  USAFA class of 2017, will be commissioned as  second lieutenant in the PAF after graduating. He intends to stay  beyond the mandatory eight years to pursue further studies and do his assigned duties. 

 

He plans to first teach at the Philippine Military Academy for a few months and then hone future pilots at the PAF.

 

For God and country

 

Jeremy advises aspiring  cadets: “Pray hard and work hard. The nomination was a miracle and the application process was difficult but not impossible.” 

 

“Have faith in God and He will be faithful as well in helping you fulfil His ultimate plan for you. Work hard for what you want and pursue your dreams. This is a great opportunity not only to learn but also to serve and protect our beloved country.”

 

Facing the enemy

 

Jeremy has always dreamed of  becoming an air force pilot. “I am definitely excited to handle fighter jets.” His entry into USAFA could not come at a more crucial time. 

 

In response to the heightened tension in the West Philippine Sea, President Benigno Aquino III recently pledged to modernize the antiquated PAF before his term ends in 2016.  

 

Jeremy is prepared to face the call of duty. With grim determination,  he declares, “I'll do whatever job is assigned to me and help out however I can. Defending the country is what we do. And defend the country we will.” - Rizalino Antonio Pulumbarit, VVP, GMA News