RAF FEATURED SUPPORTER: JAKE PETERSON

When the RAF Outfitter developed its expanded online store, RAF HQ called upon aviation photographer Jake Peterson to provide professional imagery of each product to help shoppers make easy and accurate selections. Jake happily volunteers his time providing all this work for the RAF, and it is greatly appreciated.

Jake has always loved the outdoors, having grown up in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. His entire life has included the world of photography, as well. His father, B Moose Peterson has been a professional wildlife photographer for 40 years and his mother, Sharon manages the business. Much of Moose and Sharon’s career, before moving to Montana in 2020, has been working with California’s threatened and endangered species including several that are now extinct. Moose’s work with Nikon placed him at the Reno Air Races to help educate other photographers. The whole family eventually became part of the Reno Air Race Association media team. In 2009 at the Pylon Race Seminar Jake says he found his love for aviation, then got involved photographing other classes of general aviation. His family worked together when they were hired for a three year documentary project for the Texas Flying Legends Museum. “The War Birds intrigue us most. We hear great stories, and meet great people,” Jake says.

After attending Montana State University in Bozeman, “Like so many other people, after four years I decided to stay in Bozeman,” Jake said. Currently, he is the production manager for the Wrap Agency, a nationwide graphics producer specializing in vehicle wraps, wall wraps, civic beautification, decals, banners, and more. His off-time is devoted to his photography business, including much work for nonprofits, like the RAF, the Commemorative Air Force Big Sky wing in Bozeman, and the Montana Antique Aircraft Association. “There’s always something going on there, and good energy,” he says. “I like that it enables me to make new friends, and go to new places. Everyone in aviation has been wonderful,” he adds.

His love of the outdoors and pursuing his art of photography is a great blend resulting in wildlife and aviation photography that has earned him recognition in the professional realm, having published numerous articles and photographs in a variety of publications.

Jake approaches his art as a skilled pilot approaches aviation – always learning, respectfully open to new technology and skills. Regarding the emergence of digital photo manipulation, he says, “For me there’s a distinction between a photograph and digital ‘art’. There’s a place for technology in photography. Even Ansel Adams modified his originals in his darkroom.” He points out the difference between authentic imagery for scientific purposes for example; and the artistic direction a photographer can take. “Galleries display beautiful wildlife photos that are pleasing to the eye — perfect, unlike reality. But that’s art,” he says. “Each is valid. It’s up to the individual to decide.”

The RAF values Jake’s volunteer work. It’s obvious that after working many airshows and fly-ins, his love for aviation has remained, as has his passion to continue capturing romantic and interesting photographs, and like a pilot seeking new challenges, further advance his own knowledge.

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RAF OUTFITTER JULY FEATURED COLLECTION

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FEATURING: RAF PULASKI GLASSES Raise a glass to the work that keeps backcountry aviation alive! These RAF Pulaski Glasses are a perfect addition to your bar or a thoughtful gift for any aviation or backcountry enthusiast. Each glass features the RAF’s signature Pulaski tool, a tribute to the hardworking volunteers who preserve, improve, and protect airstrips across the country. Just like the tool itself, these glasses celebrate grit, utility, and a commitment to getting the job done. The Pulaski is a versatile, heavy-duty tool used for trail building, chopping wood, and clearing brush, making it an essential part of backcountry work for RAF volunteers. Made in the USA from high-quality glass, they’re built to last. Get yours today. 

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: DRIGGS-REED MEMORIAL, ID

By Carmine Mowbray • July 1, 2026
You’d have a hard time finding a more beautiful place to fly than Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (KDIJ). The Grand Teton, Big Hole, and Snake River mountain ranges surround this eastern Idaho valley. Driggs has become a world-class destination for the pilot community. National Geographic magazine listed Driggs as “one of the ten best outdoor recreation destinations in the U.S.” Just a 45-minute drive over Teton Pass is Jackson, Wyoming, a famous Western destination. The airport, at an elevation of 6,257, accommodates aircraft on both its 7,300-ft paved runway and 3,000-ft turf landing area, marked with cones. Note: The SW 3,451 feet of the paved runway is closed until August for reconstruction. Check NOTAMS before landing. Fly-in visitors are welcome to camp underwing at its grassy tie-down area. It’s an ideal gateway to the Idaho backcountry. Enjoy views of the nearby Teton Range from the 12' x 16' cedar pilot shelter. There is potable water, a toilet, power, a gas barbecue, and a charging station nearby. Within walking distance of the campground is the Forage restaurant. A bike shed and loaner bikes, provided by the Idaho Aviation Association Borrow-A-Bike program, are available to ride into town. If you desire a more urban experience or wish to explore further, the airport has rental cars. “It’s a great destination for the pilot community, with access to hiking, biking, fishing, floating, golf and a small town with numerous shops and restaurants,” RAF Director and Driggs resident Tim Riley says. He and a local RAF supporter recently completed a spring cleanup to ready it for the season. The amenities were provided cooperatively through the RAF, the Idaho Aviation Association (IAA), the City of Driggs, and its Airport Board, with financial contributions from each. For more information on Driggs, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted July 1, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

VOLUNTEERS COMPLETE SEASONAL TASKS AT RYAN FIELD

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It’s bear grass season around West Glacier, Montana, and nearly a score of volunteers from three different states drove in to Ryan Field June 12-13 to complete seasonal maintenance, and enjoyed spotting the showy blooms throughout the woods. Bear scat was also seen in several places – a reminder that a clean camp protects both campers and wildlife. The airfield remains closed until the new runway grass has stabilized for landing, so watch the Airfield Guide for an announcement that the field has re-opened. As a result, there was no annual Ryan Fly-in this year. Volunteers removed downed trees, cleared and marked hiking trails, mowed around the buildings and part of the runway, cleaned bear boxes, the pilot shelter, cabins, and barn. “We welcomed new volunteers and continue to work hard maintaining the field. We are as eager as everyone for the grass to take good hold so the runway can open again,” Administrative Director Tricia McKenna said. Submitted June 30, 2026

MAGEE, ID FLOOD MITIGATION ASSESSMENT BEGINS

June 26, 2026
RAF President Bill McGlynn met in mid-June with the US Forest Service, Idaho Dept of Aeronautics, and Idaho Aviation Association to evaluate steps to improve Magee (S77) airstrip, 23 nm east of Coeur d’Alene. On the way, Bill picked up Joe Sober, one of two airport engineers from Oklahoma City who have volunteered their professional services and have been instrumental in creating maintenance and remediation plans on Idaho backcountry airstrips. “The Forest Service engineering teams have too much on their plate just addressing roads, so having this resource to make airstrip engineering assessments and plans is instrumental to resolving challenges on USFS airstrips like Magee,” McGlynn said. The improvement project at Magee has been organized through a Cost Share Agreement that the RAF has with the USFS. McGlynn, Sober, Willy Acton of the Idaho Airstrip Network, along with USFS District Ranger Holly Hampton, Don Macintosh of IAA, Dan Conner of Idaho Aeronautics, and RAF Idaho Ambassador George Weaver investigated the sources of flooding that plague Magee airstrip every spring and analyzed means of redirecting the problematic water. Magee airstrip was created in the 1940s by the Corps of Engineers as a hidden fighter base in case of a Japanese attack on the western US coast. A dike that was built to channel water away from the runway has eroded over the past eighty years. Sober took numerous measurements and will develop a plan to submit to the USFS for approval. Work could begin over the next year or two to recover about 700 feet of runway. “We truly could not do this work without our volunteer engineers and are very fortunate to have their expertise,” McGlynn said. Weaver said, “The airstrip is a real gem, and the restoration work will make it a great backcountry destination.” Submitted June 28, 2026

TEAMWORK GETS THINGS DONE AT HISTORIC MEDICINE BOW, WYOMING

June 26, 2026
“It was really nice to spend some time with Wyoming folks cleaning up a little piece of history,” RAF WY/UT Ambassador Karen Larson said of the May 30 work party at Medicine Bow airport, on the historic US airmail route. RAF Wyoming Liaison Joe Feiler organized the work and reports that about 15 people with a wide range of backgrounds arrived at 9 am to help. Attendees included RAF supporters, EAA Chapter 420 members, local residents, as well as Lee Cook, Medicine Bow airport board member and town council member.