ONE DAY ALL THIS WILL BE YOURS

Who hasn’t experienced their own version of the scenario – Your parent or grandparent proudly standing in front of a wall of clutter they’ve accumulated. With arms outstretched, they say, “One day all this will be yours!” 

It is not uncommon for the RAF to receive a call or visit from generous, well-meaning folks whose very wish is to “donate all this” to us. Being a donor-based organization, it’s very tempting – all this for nothing?

But before we accept, your RAF board recalls some sage advice way back in our first ever strategic planning session. It was 2004, and our friends at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) advised us to be cautious about what we take on. RMEF land manager Gary Burnett wisely advised us that if we were successful sticking to our mission, we could find ourselves with more than we could take care of. 

Was that a message we ever wanted to send our donors?

Your early RAF founders listened to Gary’s words carefully and took them to heart. We have been very thoughtful about getting involved in projects that are beyond our resources and capabilities. We strive to prevent those that follow from opening up the “RAF storage shed” and finding places that really don’t belong, with obligations that really can’t be met. 

Your current RAF leadership continues to be selective so that we only accumulate those things that are truly worthy and of benefit to the generations that will follow. Now, more than ever, sticking to the mission of preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access is as important as it was back in 2003 when this all started. 

Recently, I was struck by all of this when I witnessed the work being done at the newest RAF destination, the beautiful Gillette Lakewood airfield in Wisconsin. At our May RAF work party there, a number of young people joined some “senior” RAF supporters and volunteers. Everyone worked shoulder to shoulder with our friends and donors, Bob and Judy Gillette, to do some maintenance on this special place that current and future generations of recreational aviation enthusiasts will value and protect.

So, with the RAF’s continued diligence and mindfulness, we can anticipate the next generation’s appreciation and genuine enthusiasm when they realize, “Someday all this will be yours.”

– John McKenna, RAF Chairman

    Recent Posts

RAF SEEKS AIRPORT ENGINEER VOLUNTEER

October 8, 2026
The RAF is excited that our Expand the Map initiative to open and rehabilitate airfields is off to an impressive start. As a result, we are seeking an airport engineer who is willing to volunteer their consulting services on airfield projects around the country. "Our supporters have many talents and areas of expertise," President Bill McGlynn said. “Please let us know if you’re an airport engineer who would be interested in volunteering your knowledge to improve recreational airfields.” Please contact Erin White, RAF Volunteer Coordinator, ewhite@theraf.org . Submitted October 8, 2026.

CONSIDERING YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING?

October 8, 2026
Like many people at this time of year, you may be considering your charitable contributions. The RAF is fortunate to have a deep bench of professional financial planning talent with several planned giving ideas to help you enjoy the advantage of tax benefits while benefiting the RAF mission. You can even specify a project that you'd like to support. You may not be aware of a new opportunity this year: Those who use the standard deduction (like most taxpayers), can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) for your direct donation to the RAF, without itemizing. This gives everyone a charitable giving tax-advantage, not just high-income donors who itemize. If you have any questions, a great way to start is to contact RAF Texas/Montana Ambassador Steve Maus, CLU, MSFS, and Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy. Reach him at: smaus@theraf.org .

RAF OUTFITTER OCTOBER FEATURED COLLECTION

October 5, 2026
FEATURING: RAF FLY ROCKY TOP COLLECTION This summer, the RAF proudly announced the Fly Rocky Top Airstrip Network, opening up a new way to experience the beauty, adventure, and recreational flying opportunities of East Tennessee. Now, you can take a little Fly Rocky Top spirit with you wherever you go!  The new Fly Rocky Top Collection has officially landed at the RAF Outfitter, with something for just about everyone. From adventure-ready KÜHL layers to hats, a lightweight women’s performance shirt, and stickers, the collection was made for days at the airstrip and everywhere your adventures take you in between.

RAF 2026 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

October 1, 2026
RAF key volunteers from across the nation gathered at Seattle’s Museum of Flight for a two-day RAF Educational Conference that ended Saturday, September 26. The days were filled with discussions about ways to further the RAF mission, beginning with the US Forest Service. The RAF Board of Directors and AOPA co-president Katie Pribyl and board member Peter Burwell updated the group over breakfast, and RAF Liaisons reported on airfield projects. Other presentations included author Richard Kyte on the importance of community, the RAF Safety, Education and Etiquette (SEE) committee reported on its messaging to pilots, Garmin presented its new Axis platform, author Richard Holm presented on the history of aviation’s role in the Idaho backcountry, and RAF Georgia Ambassador Dhruv Thakkar discussed the use of Digital Control Towers. Attendees also received an update on the RAF Airfield Guide and heard from RAF staff on tips for holding work parties and connecting RAF supporters. RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig, RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller, and Oregon Ambassador Kevin Johnson were presented with the RAF's Wind Beneath Our Wings Award for outstanding volunteer contributions to the RAF mission. Among the attendees were National RUS Liaison John Nadeau and his wife, who drove thousands of miles from Maine to join. "It was well worth the trip to learn about important projects fellow volunteers are working on from coast to coast, and how they successfully handle difficult situations using the RAF Way." The conference concluded with a talk from former and current principals of the adjacent Raisbeck Aviation High School. Dinner was later held in the high school, at which retiring RAF Director Steve Taylor was honored. Attendees enjoyed seeing their fellow volunteers and meeting new friends. Volunteers walked away feeling inspired and energized, with new ideas to continue their efforts preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access. Submitted September 1, 2026 Photo by Jake Peterson

DIRECTOR EMERITUS STEVE TAYLOR RECOGNIZED

October 1, 2026
The RAF extends its appreciation to Steve Taylor of the Seattle area for his dedicated service on the RAF Board of Directors from 2019 to 2025. Throughout his time on the Board, Steve generously shared his aviation experience, perspective, and relationships in support of the RAF mission. He contributed to numerous RAF efforts, including the RAF Kodiak missions in support of airstrip work on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, and has been a valued advocate for the organization and recreational aviation. Steve also played an important role in helping bring the RAF’s 2026 National Educational Conference to Seattle. The gathering gave RAF volunteers, supporters, and partners an opportunity to learn, connect, and spend time together at the Museum of Flight and Raisbeck Aviation High School—two places that reflect Steve’s long-standing commitment to aviation and aviation education. In recognition of Steve’s service to the RAF and his support of the next generation of aviation leaders, the RAF made a donation to Raisbeck Aviation High School in his name during the conference. Steve’s contributions to the RAF extend well beyond any single project or event. We are grateful for the time, experience, relationships, and enthusiasm he has shared with the organization over the years, and we are proud to recognize him as a Director Emeritus. “We can't thank Steve enough for his devotion to the ongoing success of the RAF. He has ‘changed the game' for us in many ways and raised our stature as a volunteer organization,” said RAF President Bill McGlynn. Submitted September 1, 2026