US Senator Shelley Moore Capito presented Mercer County cadet with major award

BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS) – Aim High. Fly, fight, win. That is the motto that one Mercer County cadet will be saying over and over when he becomes an official member of the Air Force.

Until then, he is capitalizing on all the opportunities he is being given as a cadet – a goal that has earned him recognition.

Cadet Commander Peyton Bogle of the Mercer County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol received the Amelia Earhart Award.

This award marks the completion of Phase 3 and the mastery of 11 or 16 cadet achievements. Bogle told 59News that he had to complete a lot of tests to earn this award. Bogle was presented this award by special guest US Senator Shelley Moore Capito.

“He has exhibited great leadership skills and academic skills and [he is one of] only three percent of cadets are awarded this award. So, I was really happy to give it to him,” said Senator Capito.

Bogle said that this award was a surprise to him.

He didn’t expect to be honored in such a big way.

All he knew going into the ceremony was where to be and when to be there.

“It definitely makes me feel important. I feel great about myself knowing that there is great recognition that comes with it. Just knowing that we have people to support me along the way, especially so high throughout the government,” said Bogle.

Senator Capito said that Bogle is just one of the many bright spots that this squadron has to offer the United States.

“I can guarantee you pretty much that every single one of those young men and women who were here with us today is going to have a leadership position in the military, in business, in their community. Those are the skills that it’s fun for me to see them in person, because I see the future and the future is bright,” said Senator Capito.

Senator Capito also took a tour of the city of Bluefield.

She got to see some of the transportation improvements throughout the city.

She also made a stop at Bluefield State University to check out their revitalized healthcare training facility.

These are two of the Bluefield projects that she invested in.

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