RAF RESOLUTIONS

About now it’s pretty much SOP for us to reflect on our New Year’s resolutions. So, in the spirit of the season I asked Mr. Google what the top three resolutions for 2024 happened to be. The response in some varying forms were 1) Improving fitness, 48%; 2) Improving finances, 38%; 3) Improving mental health, 36%.

IMPROVING our FITNESS: Gotta believe the RAF likes being lean and fit. We like the idea that staying in good physical shape has allowed us to perform at our best when called upon. We have worked hard not to find ourselves in the plus sizes when it comes to overhead. That, however, doesn’t suggest that we’d pass on ways to get in even better shape if opportunity presents itself.

IMPROVING our FINANCES: Usually this suggests paying off debt and not incurring unnecessary expenses. Fortunately for all, the RAF started with a pay-as you-go mindset and that continues today. We have no debt and a few bucks in the bank. Our next step is to look over the financial horizon as far as we can. We have done well by living within our means, and now we are working to build our future with legacy and long-term planning that’s catching on among our RAF friends. We look forward to sharing more about these opportunities with you.

IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH: Being outside simply makes one feel better. Doing so with friends and family is all the better. What better way to improve our mental wellbeing than being part of an organization that is rooted in special places with sunshine, fresh air, starlight, and sitting around a campfire with those we care about. Whether it’s a day of flying, or a day of volunteer work, know that the RAF values you. Further, know we appreciate what you have done for the RAF and consider you and yours part of our RAF family.

Let’s resolve to all getting out and enjoying some of that special RAF spirit.

– John McKenna, RAF Chairman

Submitted on January 10, 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