BRIAN THOMAS
Brian Thomas is a self-proclaimed aviation nerd, having attended his first airshow with his father at eight years old. “From that point, I’ve been fascinated with aviation, and built large scale RC aircraft through my youth,” he says. He was also involved with the Civil Air Patrol cadet program at a young age. He enlisted in…
Read MoreLEGACY PLANNING SERIES: TRADITIONAL IRA/401k AND QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS
Naming the RAF as a full or partial beneficiary of your traditional IRA or 401k can save estate taxes, and tax on the ordinary income. You can even specify a project if you wish! Consult your tax/legacy planner, then contact us for help in considering this way to leave a legacy. There are several other ways…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: ROY EVANS II 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 month’s guest editorial is by Roy Evans II, the President of Utah Back Country Pilots Association. Throughout my journey in aviation, I’ve been guided by many mentors. In my adolescence, I found…
Read MoreYEAR END CHARITABLE PLANNING
The RAF is fortunate to have a deep bench of talent. This article is written by CPA Bruce “Sparky” Parker, who volunteers as the RAF Idaho Liaison. Here Sparky shares some beneficial year-end tax planning/donation strategies to think about. These ideas will work for any of your favorite charities. If you wish to include the RAF, we are standing by…
Read MoreBecki “Pete” and Dan Normandeau
These two Montanans were raised in the little timbered town of Trout Creek, along the Clark’s Fork of the Columbia River as it heads northwest to Lake Pend Oreille in north Idaho. Their families were in the logging business, where Becki “Pete” and Dan picked up their work ethic and resourcefulness. Dan absorbed an acute…
Read MoreCHIP VIGNOLINI
Chip was born in Fort Myers, Florida, but feels that Western PA is home, since his family settled there when he was ten. His dad served in the Air Force and the family moved around the country quite a bit when he was young. Chip’s interest in aviation began while living on March Airforce Base in Riverside,…
Read MoreRAF OUTFITTER HOLIDAY SHOPPING
We can’t believe it’s already December! As you start your holiday shopping, check out the RAF Oufitter, where we’re offering 10% off all items until the end of December. The Outfitter has free shipping to anywhere in the U.S., and proceeds from your purchase further the mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access.…
Read MoreWORTH THE READ: NICOLAS CHABBERT 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 month’s guest editorial is by Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division and CEO of DAHER Aircraft, Inc and Kodiak Aircraft, Inc. As the world’s oldest airplane manufacturer in…
Read MoreRAF GRANT FUNDS OBSERVATION AREA FENCING AT TRIGGER GAP AIRFIELD
RAF Arkansas Liaison Harper Goodwin used an RAF grant and the help of Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell and a host of volunteers to build fencing for an observation area at Trigger Gap airfield, 17A. “Sixteen faithful volunteers were on hand for a full day of hard work on November 18. With the good turnout and…
Read MoreROB AHO
Ever since attaining his tailwheel endorsement “at the turn of the century” in Helena, Montana in a club Citabria, Rob Aho says he has been hooked on backcountry flight. He has flown many sorties into and near the Bob Marshall Wilderness with the express purpose of camping and fly fishing. As an environmental remediation engineer working…
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