Archive for August 2025
EXCELLENCE IS NOT AN ACCIDENT
We just returned from Triple Tree Aerodrome where the RAF held its third of four 2025 regional educational conferences for our key volunteers. It was not by chance that we chose Triple Tree for our event, which brings me to the title of this month’s theme. The RAF is at a point where whatever we…
Read MoreDOES THE RAF MISSION MATTER TO YOU?
The RAF depends on folks who are passionate about preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access throughout the country. If this mission appeals to you, you might be interested in the rewarding volunteer role of RAF Liaison. To capture the spirit and purpose of an RAF Liaison, we’re unveiling the new RAF Liaison video, created by our good friends at Voortex…
Read MoreFEATURED RAF SUPPORTER: JERRY LATVALA
“If you give of your time and labor, you tend to get back more than you put in,” Jerry Latvala says, and that keeps him motivated to help the RAF anytime he can, whether it’s near his home in coastal Georgia, or far away. Jerry flew his Mooney over 1,800 nm to tent camp at…
Read MoreRAF AWARDS GRANT FOR MONTICELLO, UTAH AREA AIRSTRIP CULTURAL STUDY
RAF Liaison Wendy Lessig continues her efforts to preserve scenic Utah airstrips on BLM land. She was just awarded an RAF grant to help fund five cultural surveys in the Monticello region through the BLM Monticello Field Office in Utah’s San Juan County. “The purpose of these cultural surveys is to help the BLM in their required review process to…
Read MoreEHSAN HAMTAEI
Day job: Medical device engineerFavorite airstrip: 6Y3 – North Fox Island, MINext adventure: 2P2 – Washington Island, WI
Read MoreJeff Johnson
Day Job: Battalion Chief / Fire Marshal with the Lexington Fire Department Favorite Airstrip: Miles Field / 3KY9 Next Adventure: Flying to Hatteras Island, NC for a surf fishing trip is next on the agenda, but the ultimate next adventure in spending a week exploring strips in the Fly Oz network in Arkansas
Read MoreRAF OUTFITTER SEPTEMBER FEATURED ITEM
This multi-use tote is an everyday bag that is well-designed and built to last a lifetime. Made with waterproof, 90lb tear strength industrial vinyl, these bags are made for any adventure. The bags have 1.5″ adjustable shoulder straps, padded and reinforced snapping handles, a removable felt base, and they fold flat for easy storage. Choose…
Read MoreJOSEPH WALLACE
Kentucky Ambassador Day Job: Investigation Section Supervisor at Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training and Adjunct Professor of Forensic Science at Eastern Kentucky University. Favorite Strip: Hands down, Roger’s International nestled in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Next adventure: To share my love of aviation with others and work to ensure they have the opportunity to…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: LIBBY MAUS GUEST EDITORIAL
Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This guest editorial is by Libby Maus, a co-pilot and RAF volunteer. From the Right Seat: Less than 10 years ago, I was afraid to fly in an aircraft with only one engine…
Read More“BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL” TAX IMPLICATIONS
Charitable giving gets some new opportunity under the new “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The current standard deduction, $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for joint filers, makes it difficult to itemize over those amounts and get tax benefit for your charitable donations. But effective starting in 2026, “non-itemizers” will be able to deduct charitable…
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