NAME: LABRO, NEO EIRENE

FLIGHT: (FEMALE) CHARLIE

The 13th Training Day video entitled “PAF Wings of the Nation” that I watched earlier
was a reminder that there is hope amidst fierce and terrifying battles such as that of the Battle of
Mindanao, wayback 1974. As refreshing as it is to see the unification of the Forces of the
Philippines, it is never good to remember, much less to relive a war.

Sometimes it becomes an easy thing: to dictate the living to death, to sacrifice oneself for
the greater good, but not all of us are called to the same fate. And so I applaud all the brave and
fallen fighters who, to their final breaths, fought for victory. The testimonies and stories gave me
goosebumps as they told us how they struggled during that time, where they needed the help of the
Air Force. Blood, sweat, and tears were shed as they grasped onto their chances of surviving and
succeeding in battle.

As an aviation student, I am awed by the fact that aircrafts have been winning wars since
time they existed, and by doing so, saving the lives of those they need to protect. Pride is reflected
through me from our brave pilots who dared to seal the deal.

In our generation, we are lucky to have never experienced such tragedies and chaos, but we
are always reminded of hope and victory by history. Sometimes, and sometimes you lose, in life,
in battles, but let us follow along the footsteps of the brave people that fight for our nation, a
nation worth fighting for, the Philippines. Hand in hand, we can keep our lands, culture, and
people safe. Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino!