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When RAF friends gather around the fire hub at an airfield, there’s always a good story to be told. We have brought that love of storytelling into a digital format, and hope you will enjoy the following new installment of our new RAF Podcast. RAF Director Steve Taylor’s father was a Boeing test pilot, and…
The RAF has added Safety and Education to its Backcountry Etiquette Team (BET), launching the combined RAF Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee, (SEE). “Etiquette, education, and safety are deeply interconnected,” RAF Director Matt Foster said, adding, “Behaviors promoted by the Etiquette Team overlap with educat
A couple of weeks ago, fellow RAF director Joe Brown and I were discussing the idea of tipping the line person for fueling our aircraft, or the person who offers some other form of assistance. I felt good to be able to tell Joe that, yes, I do hand a few bucks to the person…
When RAF Administrative Director Tricia McKenna met Matt Jewett and his display of locally made Mtn Straps products at the Bozeman farmers market, she loved the looks of their dog collars, dog leashes, and ski pole straps. Knowing that many RAF folks have dogs, she asked Matt to create RAF-branded collars and leashes t
The RAF honored Daher Aircraft CEO Nicolas Chabbert with its “Golden Pulaski” award July 21, 2025 during AirVenture’s opening day. Chabbert was recognized for his outstanding contributions toward the RAF’s mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. RAF President Bill McGlynn and Directors Steve Taylor and Matt Foster handed the smiling Chabbert…
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 Director Jeff Russell was honored with AOPA’s 2025 Laurence P. Sharples Award at their annual Hoover awards reception on March 19 in the historic Terminal A Lobby at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. AOPA Chairman Darren Pleasance introduced Russell, saying, “This is AOPA’s most important award, named after AOPA’s first chairman, and recognizes someone…
The RAF Board naturally evolves, and at this time, we are celebrating the extraordinary contributions to the vision, leadership, and success of the RAF provided by retiring Directors Pete Bunce and Todd Simmons. “The impact that Todd and Pete have had with the RAF has been tremendous, and they’ll remain valued friends
RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell received a Holiday card from The Nature Conservancy’s Arkansas Director Roger Manghan. The entire Arkansas staff had signed it, and Roger had penned the following message that we want to share with you: “RAF is such an important org and we are so very lucky for both your partnership & f
Director Matt Foster grew up immersed in aviation. At a young age, Matt’s dad introduced him to flying and camping in the Idaho backcountry. He was a successful business owner who was able to use General Aviation aircraft for business as well as pleasure. Raised on an airpark, Matt soloed on his sixteenth birthday, got
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Our RAF Beanie Collection is proudly made in Bozeman, MT by our friends at Sauce. Designed to keep you warm on cold days, these beanies are perfect for winter adventures like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and—of course—flying! Available in adult one-size-fits-all and kids’ sizes. Get your RAF Beanie today and stay warm wherever your adventures take you! We’re excited to feature Shayla Swanson, founder of Sauce, in our latest RIF RAF newsletter. Originally from Alberta, Canada, Shayla is a competitive Nordic ski racer who launched her beanie company in Bozeman after relocating to complete her education. Learn more about Shayla’s journey and the story behind Sauce here . If you have questions, please email contact@theraf.org or call 406-582-1723. Your RAF Outfitter purchase is greatly appreciated and furthers the mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. You can support the RAF mission all year by shopping at the RAF Outfitter online store. Products are being added regularly, and items are thoughtfully selected for durability and suitability for pilots, by pilots. We welcome photos of supporters using RAF gear! Please send your images to ewhite@theraf.org , and let us know if we have permission to post them on social media or our website. Submitted January 5, 2026.
Day Job: Restaurant Owner and College Student Favorite Airstrip: TIE SO FAR: Trigger Gap (17A) and John Harris Field (AR05) Next Adventure: Spring airplane camping in New Mexico
Day job: Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Calix, Inc. Favorite airstrip: Transylvania Community Airport (3NR3) Next adventure: Haven't flown out west since 2023, so that'll be my next flying adventure.
TN AMBASSADOR
Your RAF Directors met January 22-24 for their annual in-person board meeting in Bozeman, MT, with Director Bill Brine coming the farthest from his home on Martha’s Vineyard. Director Emeritus Alan Metzler of Pennsylvania attended, in spite of the heavy weather forecast in the Northeast. RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza attended, demonstrating the great distances these volunteers are willing to travel to be present. The RAF Board meets monthly, but this annual get-together allows time to explore opportunities in more detail, and set areas of focus. RAF Kansas Ambassador Bruce Latvala was elected as RAF Secretary, joining current RAF officers . Director Steve Taylor of the Seattle area is stepping down as an active board member, but will continue his wholehearted support of the RAF mission. This year’s meeting included special guests to discuss topics relevant to upcoming RAF initiatives. Director Emeritus Todd Simmons presented a new hub and spoke network of backcountry airfields in Tennessee, with the opportunity for RAF support. Director Matt Foster updated the group on the goals and responsibilities of the Safety, Education, and Etiquette (SEE) Committee. The board reviewed opportunities to support new airfield locations on both public and private lands; and were given a customary review of RAF financials. By Carmine Mowbray Submitted January 29, 2026
