Archive for May 2025
Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Lynn Mareth, an RAF Ambassador and leader of the Backcountry Etiquette Team. Spring is in the air here in northwest Montana. The swallows have returned to our…
A group of 27 volunteers organized by RAF Director Jeff Russell gathered at Gillette’s Lakewood Lodge, 14WS near the hamlet of Stone Lake, Wisconsin to prepare the airfield and property for summer flying and recreating. Russell reports that this annual spring work party was a great success in spite of challenging weather. “Regular Lakewood volunteers,…
RAF Alaska/Michigan Ambassador Rob Aho and Alaska Liaison Jeff DeFreest and his wife Ambassador Kari DeFreest were awarded an RAF grant toward reconstruction and repairs at the US Forest Service Black Bear Cabin on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. The fly-in cabin is 50 air miles west-northwest of Ketchikan and provides hiking, camping, hunting,…
Join the RAF at Bozeman International Airport (KBZN) Saturday, June 14 for your opportunity to meet AOPA’s new President, Darren Pleasance. He’s touring the country, sharing his vision for GA’s future and AOPA’s exciting mission to promote aviation and protect our freedom to fly. The RAF will be there in our orange shirts, beginning with…
“Ambition is the path to success, but persistence is the vehicle you will arrive in.” William “Bill” Bradley, the former NBA star and US Senator from New Jersey said this. Substitute “Passion” for “Ambition,” and you’ve pretty well summed up the RAF. Everything at the RAF starts with building a relationship. That relationship can be with…
We are proud that the RAF stands out as the trusted group of people who preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational enjoyment. The RAF isn’t a “membership” organization. We prefer the word “supporter” because that’s what you are. Those who like what we do send a contribution supporting our work. Those who love what we do send even more. Many volunteer their time and talents,…
You can’t miss Robert Miller’s big smile as he steps out of his beautiful yellow and white Cessna 185, N185WV. Robert has flown all over the country, and his contributions to the RAF over the years have been many, especially at Ryan Field while Robert lived in northwest Montana. With his experience and love of mountain…
RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller’s call for volunteers in May brought folks from as far as 270 nm who flew in to Sacaton airstrip to help with seasonal maintenance. Keller himself drove 250 miles one way to oversee the group of volunteers. At the work party, volunteers installed a new windsock, repainted the segmented circle, and removed vegetation from the…
It all started years ago by building a relationship between The Nature Conservancy and the RAF. Arkansas pilots and RAF Liaisons Harper Goodwin and Dave Powell connected with the regional folks at The Nature Conservancy, the organization known for its efforts to advance effective, lasting land and environmental conservation. Shortly, they found common ground between…
Ryan Field is ready to welcome pilots flying in during the 2025 season. Please review the following items before you make your trip this year: We look forward to seeing you at Ryan Field! Submitted June 4, 2025
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John was blessed to have two neighbors with 1000s of hours in Cessna 185s, and obtained his private pilot license with their encouragement in 2013. They introduced him to the magic of backcountry Idaho and the amazing capabilities of a 185. He purchased his own at the Big Creek Lodge in 2014. John was introduced to the RAF in 2018, at a fly-out to Seeley Lake around AOPA’s Missoula fly-in, and a few weeks later at RAF’s fly-in at Ryan Field. He is a firm believer in the RAF’s mission. Without RAF’s advocacy, he fears the steady loss of precious resources. John retired from the Coca-Cola system in 2017 after 25 years of service. His career prior to Coke included five years in operations consulting with Booz Allen & Hamilton, and three years with Hewlett Packard in Boise, Idaho – where his love of the west was born. When not flying, John enjoys tennis, photography and woodworking – a skill he is actively applying to a new house he and his wife Blythe are building in Longboat Key, FL. His border collie, Tot (pictured here perched on her RTIC cooler throne), isn’t a fan of how loud a 185 is, but thinks Johnson Creek’s airstrip is the most amazing place to chase a frisbee on the planet. jhodgson@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025
Liz grew up in Louisiana, but she has lived in Georgia with her husband, Mike, for the past 35 years. They have two grown sons, John and Will. Liz’s interests include reading, DIY projects, walking/hiking, hanging out with friends, and accompanying Mike on camping trips, fishing excursions, or flights in his Carbon Cub. She enjoys spending time at their lake house and especially at their home in Driggs, Idaho. Her favorite vacations usually involve a national park. ltouchstone@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025
Ed wanted to fly as long as he could remember. Growing up as an “Air Force Brat,” his early life involved living on air bases, watching airplanes and living among Air Force pilots. His father flew P-47, P-38 and P-51 fighters in the South Pacific during the Second World War. Ed has enjoyed GA flying since getting his license to fly in 1977. He was exposed to and fell in love with backcountry flying only a few years ago. Among other airplanes, Ed has flown several types of backcountry planes. He currently flies a C182 King Katmai. Ed believes in the RAF and wants to do all he can to support the RAF Mission. ecooper@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025
Posted in Idaho Ambassador
Paul Kosubinsky’s logbook tells the story of his true love affair with flight – from the J-3 Cub to the Boeing 747. Though he’s flown many different airplanes, “My heart has always remained in the Cub,” he says. Paul has stepped up to take on the role of RAF Virginia Liaison and will team up…
