RAF ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS A SUCCESS; MORE FUN TO COME!

The RAF would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who has helped us celebrate our 20th Anniversary so far this year. People gathered to celebrate in Massachusetts, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Montana, Idaho, and Utah throughout June. Supporters enjoyed RAF cookies, RAF temporary tattoos, RAF “Backcountry Bears,” and some quality time around the campfire. Everyone who attended signed our 20th Anniversary banners and had a chance at winning a prize.



Katama, MA attendees enjoyed underwing camping at the airfield for the first time in years. Folks at Winifred, MT enjoyed group dinners each night and daytime flying to explore the six airstrips in the vast Missouri River Breaks that the RAF helped preserve. In Cornucopia, WI, RAF supporters hiked to a waterfall and delighted in a classic Wisconsin fish fry. At Ryan Field, MT, RAF volunteers gathered for a special dedication of one of the newest camper cabins, donated by WY supporter Joe Feiler.


We hope you enjoy the photos below of our celebrations across the country. Keep reading to earn where you can join the upcoming celebrations!


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If you weren’t able to make it to a June celebration, it’s not too late to join in on the fun! See the celebrations yet to come, and mark your calendar to attend them:

July 29:
Freeman Swank Farms, OH – Enjoy celebrating the RAF’s anniversary on Saturday, July 29 at Swank Farms. [This event was rescheduled from an earlier date due to weather.] Check out the bike trail, or try your hand at some fishing! Bring your own lunch/dinner, and a camp chair. Contact Christine Mortine: cmortine@theraf.org or Freeman Swank: fswank@theraf.org

July 25:
EAA AirVenture, WI – The RAF will celebrate at Oshkosh with donuts, coffee, and camaraderie on the Hartzell rooftop, 9 am-11 am.

Sept. 1-3:
Reserve (Gila) Fly-In, NM – Check out three USFS airstrips that form at triangle around the Gila Wilderness. An RAF Outfitter giveaway is planned for this event! Email Ron Keller for more information: rkeller@theraf.org

Submitted on July 12, 2023.


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CONSIDERING YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING?

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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

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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