Mikee Romero becomes 1s reservist with honors from Army, Navy, Air Force

CAPAS, Tarlac, Philippines — Reserve Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael “Mikee” Romero made history after receiving the Command Army Aviation Badge, becoming the only military reservist to earn rare aviation honors from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The latest distinction was conferred by the Philippine Army chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, in recognition of Romero’s sustained contributions to Army aviation and his steadfast support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Aviation Modernization Program.

Romero received the Honorary Philippine Air Force Gold Wings in 2021, became the first recipient of the Philippine Army Aviation Service Insignia in 2025, and received the Command Naval Aviation Badge from the Philippine Navy in April 2026.

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READ: Reserve Brig. Gen. Mikee Romero is Outstanding Leader in Asia

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With these honors, Romero is the only AFP reservist to hold the Philippine Air Force Gold Wings, the Command Naval Aviation Badge, and the Command Army Aviation Badge — a distinction shared by only a select few AFP chiefs of staff.

Military leaders recognized Romero for championing the modernization of the AFP’s aviation capability.

As a legislator, he authored and championed the acquisition of three brand-new C-130J-30 Super Hercules strategic airlift aircraft for the Air Force.

Scheduled for delivery beginning in 2026, they will be the first brand-new C-130 aircraft ever acquired by the Philippines, significantly strengthening the country’s strategic airlift capability, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, troop mobility, and national defense readiness.

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Beyond aviation modernization, Romero has distinguished himself through decades of humanitarian service and civil-military operations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

From Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, he has led and supported missions delivering relief assistance, medical and dental services, educational support, livelihood programs, and community development projects to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.

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Among his most enduring initiatives are the construction of homes for Indigenous Peoples — including Aeta, Mangyan, Manobo, Subanen, Ivatan, and other indigenous communities — as well as the rehabilitation and construction of public schools in conflict-affected and remote areas.

Working alongside the AFP, local government units, and private-sector partners, Romero has helped advance peace, development, and improved quality of life in underserved communities nationwide.

Throughout his reserve military career, Romero has received numerous military awards and commendations recognizing his humanitarian assistance, civil-military operations, reserve force development, and unwavering support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

READ: Mikee Romero named Man of the Year 2026 by Rising Tigers

Accepting the latest distinction, Romero dedicated the recognition to the men and women of the Armed Forces.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition. This award belongs to every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, reservist, volunteer, and partner who has worked alongside us in serving our fellow Filipinos,” Romero said.

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“I remain committed to supporting the modernization of our Armed Forces while continuing humanitarian missions that bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to communities across our nation,” he added. /atm