A chance meeting in a hotel lobby turned into a full-circle moment for three generations of aviation enthusiasts at the Naval Air Station Meridian airshow in Mississippi.
Emmett Muraski and his grandparents, Jenny and John Edmunds, were traveling to attend the show when they met members of the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team at their hotel. What started as a quick conversation about Emmett’s interest in aircraft led to an invitation to see the jet up close the next day.
“Emmett loves going to airshows,” Jenny said. “What really got us here was the F-22 though.”
For Emmett, that interest started early. “I’ve been thinking about airplanes ever since I went to my first airshow when I was two,” he said.
During the visit, Staff Sgt. Gavin Gonzalez, 5th generation advanced integrated avionics technician assigned to the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, walked Emmett and his grandmother through the aircraft, answering questions and pointing out details beyond what Emmett had seen before.
“Seeing Emmett’s excitement was the best part,” Gonzalez said. “He was asking questions and really taking it all in. That’s what it’s all about for us, connecting with people and inspiring the next generation.”
The experience gave Emmett a new perspective on the aircraft he had mostly seen from a pilot’s point of view.
“Most of what I know is inside the cockpit from games,” he said. “So it was really interesting to learn more about the jet itself. I learned a lot. I feel like I’m ready to work on them now!”
While Emmett represents the next generation of aviation, his grandfather reflects a lifetime in it. U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) John Edmunds, a Vietnam veteran and career military aviator, spent 50 years flying and logged more than 21,000 flight hours. During Vietnam, he flew OH-6 Cayuse “Loach” helicopters, AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters and UH-1 Hueys. The Loach was used for low-level reconnaissance, the Cobra provided armed escort, and the Huey supported troop transport before later serving in medical evacuation roles.
“I’ve never been up close to a Raptor,” Edmunds said. “Getting to meet the F-22 Team and tour the aircraft has been great.”
Staff Sgt. John Karnauk, a dedicated crew chief assigned to the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, who spent time with Edmunds during the tour, said the moment carried a deeper meaning.
“Talking with Mr. Edmunds was an honor,” Karnauk said. “There’s a lot of respect for someone who’s spent that much time in aviation. Being able to share what we do today and hear about his experience is the least we could do for someone who’s spent years of his life in the air.”
Moments like these reflect the foundation today’s Airmen build upon, shaped by those who came before them. With decades of experience and a lifetime of service, Edmunds represents a generation whose contributions continue to influence the force, setting the standard for those who follow.
“You look at today’s service members and hope they get the same kind of experience you had,” said Edmunds.
“I have a bit of envy because they are all starting out while I’m finishing up. You try to prepare them [service members] as best you can… It’s not for everyone, but it’s a great life.”
What began as a brief encounter at a hotel grew into something more, a shared experience between those who have flown, those who serve now, and those just beginning to imagine their place in aviation. For Emmett, that moment offered a glimpse into what’s possible, carrying forward the legacy and spirit of service built by aviators like his grandfather.