WOULDA, SHOULDA, COULDA

When you look over your shoulder at your last twenty years, it’s not so hard to find some Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda’s. As they say, “Hindsight is 20/20.”

Looking back on the RAF with the closing of our twentieth year, it is a time of reflection. But we find very few Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda’s. From our vantage point, it’s hard to find things we would like a do-over on. And, even if we had that opportunity, we aren’t convinced the RAF would be in any better place than we find ourselves today.

On that day when we first met Ben and Butchie Ryan, it sure doesn’t seem like a do-over would’ve had a better result. When we decided we should run the organization as all volunteer, well, that one sure has proven its success as a family oriented, get it done approach. Again, that one is a solid no “Shoulda done it different.”

As we think back on who we are and how we got here, we see barely a handful of check marks in the do-over column, and a long list of check marks under “Done Right.” For sure there has been growth in the number and variety of projects, and team of volunteers, but the RAF has worked very hard to stay true to our roots. Roots you helped us plant and have helped to nurture and grow.

While most organizations seek to get bigger, the RAF just keeps at the heart of why we started this whole thing – Preserving, improving, and creating airstrips for recreational access.

So as we close out the first twenty years of our collective friendship, it is our strong desire to have you at our side, and more importantly, to have our back. Simply put, we cannot do it without you and your financial support.

You have shared in this journey called The RAF and we are hopeful you are as excited about tomorrow as we are, with very few Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda’s.

Recreational Aviation Foundation
RAF Board of Directors

Submitted November 27, 2023.