YAUCO, Puerto Rico -- Co-founder of the Puerto Rico Air National, Brig. Gen. Mihiel Gilormini, was honored by his home town in a posthumous street naming ceremony, July 15.
Gilormini was born in Yauco, Puerto Rico on Aug. 3, 1918. He was a U.S. Air Force officer who served in the Royal Air Force and in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. By the time Gilormini was 29 years old, he was a highly decorated war hero and was named the base commander of the 198th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Puerto Rico. Due to the efforts led by Gilormini, Lt. Col. Jose A. Muñiz, and Col. Alberto Nido, the Puerto Rico Air National Guard was founded on Nov. 23, 1947.
Almost 70 years after establishing the PRANG, city officials recognized Gilormini’s many military accomplishments and contributions with renaming 359 Street to Brigadier General Mihiel Gilormini Boulevard.
During the event, retired Col. Carlos Quiñones, former 156th AW commander, was the guest speaker and the 156th Airlift Wing honor guard detail rendered military honors for Gilormini’s service. Among the distinguished guests in attendance was the 156th AW Commander, Col. Raymond Figueroa, and Gilormini’s children: Michel, Delia and Fernando.
"This event is very important to the National Guard of Puerto Rico, as General Gilormini was a co-founder of what is now the Puerto Rico Air National Guard," Figueroa said. “I am honored to be a part of the organization built by Brig. Gen. Gilormini and hope to uphold our founding fathers legacy of greatness.”
Presiding over the ceremony was Yauco Mayor, Honorable Angel Torres Ortiz, and members of the Civic and Cultural Society of Puerto Rico.
“We are grateful for the presence of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard members during General Gilormini honor ceremony,” Torres said.