Cadet Awards Highlight F-22 Demonstration Team Visit

Lt. Col. Morgan Torp-Pedersen
Public Affairs Officer
Murfreesboro Composite Squadron
Tennessee Wing

The Murfreesboro Composite Squadron's “Officers' Club” trip to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, included the experience of a lifetime for a pair of cadets.

During the visit, U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua "Cabo" Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, presented Cadet Capts. Emerson Garfield and Christopher Samaha with Civil Air Patrol’s Amelia Earhart Award. 

"I was extremely inspired and in awe of the power and capabilities of the F-22 Raptor," Garfield said. "I was honored to have Maj. Gunderson present my Amelia Earhart Award. I am very thankful for such a unique and historic opportunity." 

Before the ceremony, the Murfreesboro squadron had the opportunity to watch the demonstration team from the Langley-Eustis flight line. To their surprise, during the demonstration two P-51 Mustangs from the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation joined the F-22 team for the practice.

"It felt surreal having Maj. Gunderson present the award to me – especially since it was right after I got to watch the demonstration team practice alongside the Heritage Flight at their home base," Samaha said.