CAMARADERIE, PROJECTS COMPLETED AT GILLETTE’S ANNUAL FLY-IN

Beautiful fall weather greeted attendees of Bob and Judy Gillette’s annual fly-in and picnic at their home airstrip, Lakewood Lodge (14WS) in northern Wisconsin. The four-day event is an annual gathering of local EAA chapter 631 and RAF friends. This year, RAF supporters attended from as far away as Oklahoma and Florida. Bob and Judy, along with the help…

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HENDERSON FIELD IMPROVED; STARGAZING PARTY PLANNED

A June 2023 RAF grant to improve privately-owned Henderson Field, 95IL near Golconda Illinois, included a new RAF windsock, an RAF fire ring, and treating and smoothing the turf runway with a vibrating roller. This was partially matched with in-kind donations and volunteer labor. “Thanks to terrific weather and help from visiting pilots David Butler and Chris Erkmann, everything…

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BLM INCLUDES AVIATION, SEEKS FURTHER PUBLIC COMMENT ON GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE DRAFT EIS

“Pilots’ comments on Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) during last year’s Call-To-Action were successful,” RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig reports. “Aviation is specifically mentioned in Chapter 3 of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for each of the four management alternatives the BLM is considering. Thank you for your efforts to comment,” she added.…

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TWO HEARTED CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL RE-OPENING; REWARDS ROCKHOUNDS

On August 26, a celebration was held at Two Hearted (6Y5) in Michigan to acknowledge the airfield’s reopening, and to thank everyone involved for their help. Volunteers’ efforts were appreciated and Richard and Kathy Robinson of Rainbow Lodge were acknowledged for their kind hospitality. “If not for them, this could not have happened. We cannot…

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TEXAS ADDS A LIAISON, JOHN CYRIER

Texas native John Cyrier became enamored with aviation at age 11, when his older brother flew him to a local airshow in a J3 Cub. He received his private pilot license shortly after graduating from Texas A&M University where he was in the Air Force ROTC and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. John currently owns…

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RAF BEGINNINGS, AND ITS JOURNEY TO NOW

Often, we are asked how this organization began, and how has it succeeded, so we created a brief summary of the RAF’s origin, its growth and many accomplishments.  We think you’ll enjoy viewing this snapshot, since so many of you have had an important role in all the RAF has accomplished, and you continue to…

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VOLUNTEERS COMPLETE CABINS AT RYAN FIELD

Ryan Field now has four hard-sided camping cabins, thanks to the efforts of volunteers who wrapped up the project during the June 9-11 work party. RAF supporters flying in may reserve a cabin by emailing ryancabins@theraf.org. Twenty volunteers completed many other tasks to clean and prepare all the facilities for the flying season, including bear boxes, gutters,…

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LAKEWOOD LODGE VOLUNTEERS EARN A+

Each year, RAF volunteers help out at Bob and Judy Gillette’s beautiful Lakewood Lodge, Wisconsin, in appreciation for Gillettes welcoming the public to use their airfield, 14WS. RAF Director Jeff Russell reports that this year’s weather for the May 19-21 weekend work party was perfect, and over a dozen volunteers tackled all the projects Judy had listed. “We must…

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BILL ABLES STEPS UP TO OREGON LIAISON

It was natural for Bill Ables of Enterprise, Oregon, to take up backcountry flying and advocacy. He makes a stunning image when he approaches a forest strip in his beautiful 1952 red Cessna 170B.  Bill has served as RAF Ambassador, but has made the commitment to step up as Liaison, joining RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes. Bill…

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