MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - A pair of Murfreesboro Composite Squadron cadets received the opportunity of a lifetime during their squadron's “Officers' Club” trip to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

While there, 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.