ANNETTE RICHMOND

Vice President of Appreciation

Annette is no stranger to the wilderness experience. She has enjoyed canoeing, camping and hiking all her life and appreciates the opportunities aviation offers those adventurous pursuits. Since reuniting with her high school sweetheart, George Richmond, some of those adventures have included solo hiking 560+ miles of the Appalachian Trail, flying coast to coast in an Aeronca Champ, attending multiple WAD fly-ins where she learned about the RAF, and getting married on an island airstrip in the Hudson River where wedding guests celebrated with airplane rides.

Annette and George live in Omaha, Nebraska. George, who is a CFI, enjoys giving instruction in their Champ and Twin Comanche. Annette earned her Private Pilot License in December of 2021 and is working on her tailwheel endorsement.

They keep busy maintaining what Annette calls “The Harem” which includes the Champ, the Twin Comanche, a Falco and assorted Cub projects.

“The aviation community is full of the nicest, most generous people who love to share their passion for flying. The RAF combines this passion with commitment and stewardship to the wilderness experience. This organization is a win/win and I’m thrilled to be included in it.”

Submitted on March 8, 2022.

Posted in Vice President of Appreciation

WORTH THE READ: CINDY CROSS GUEST EDITORIAL

October 22, 2026

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 Cindy Cross, RAF VP of Appreciation.

RAF FIRE HUB INSTALLED AT BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

October 21, 2026

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Parish family, who own the Beechcraft Museum, along with other RAF volunteers, contributed to the preparation and installation of the fire hub. They completed the project in time for folks to enjoy it during the annual Beech Party event over the October 10-11 weekend. The 20-foot diameter permanent concrete base was provided by a private donor. The fire ring and three 10-foot-long propeller blades were designed and fabricated by RAF Volunteer Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana, with design assistance from Pete's son Matt Smith of Bozeman, Montana. The structure lies east of the 2,775-ft turf Parish Aerodrome runway adjacent to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “This permanent installation will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026

MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS WORK AT HANLEY

October 21, 2026

Michigan RAF volunteers had a very successful work party at Hanley Field (5Y7) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the October 10-11 weekend. Led by Michigan Ambassador Ryan Minnick, the crew, including Michigan Liaison Tanmoy Ganguly, cut and stacked firewood, repaired the sink and water heater, and relocated the airport sign along the road for better visibility. “We had a great weekend and got a good amount of work done. It was great connecting with supporters from the area,” Minnick said. “The assistant airport manager was there and was very happy with the results that came out of the work party.” Fourteen remained to camp Saturday night. Find more about Hanley Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026