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!

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.

ROB KEANE

February 24, 2026

FLORIDA AMBASADOR

HOWIE BOHL

February 24, 2026

CALIFORNIA AMBASSADOR

RAF AWARDS GRANT FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF HCRC

February 24, 2026

Oregon RAF Liaison Bill Ables has been awarded a $5,000 RAF grant to retain RAF membership in and support the Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative (HCRC) for the next five years. The HCRC was organized in 2016 at the request of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation as a framework for the various recreational user groups to collaborate with the US Forest Service within the 652,488-acre Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Ables, a past Director and current member of the group, explained that HCRC membership is a cross-section of user groups from both the private and commercial sectors, including river rafters and jet boaters, backpackers, horse packers, aviators, and governmental management agencies. Providing ongoing support ensures continued aviation representation. The rugged Snake River canyon region hugs the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, and includes nine backcountry airstrips within the Recreational Area. All are maintained by volunteer aviation groups in collaboration with the USFS: Cache Creek, Salmon Bar, Dug Bar, Temperance Creek, Pittsburg Landing, Sluice Creek, Lord Flat, Memaloose, and Big Bar. “Our support of HCRC, combined with the other involved aviation groups, ensures ongoing maintenance and improvements at each of these nine airstrips. It benefits general aviation by preserving access to enjoy the beauty of the Hells Canyon area, which directly speaks to the Mission of the RAF,” Ables said. For more information on Dug Bar, Cache Creek, Big Bar, and Memaloose, see the Airfield Guide . Pittsburg Landing, Sluice Creek, Temperance Creek, and Salmon Bar are not listed in the Airfield Guide at this time. Submitted February 24, 2026