North Dakota Ambassador

The RAF concluded four regional 2025 educational conferences, with the final gathering in Silver City, New Mexico in early October. Each conference began with a Friday evening dinner, then resumed Saturday for a full day of educational presentations to benefit RAF volunteers, beginning with RAF mission progress, RAF grant opportunities, and the safety and etiquette initiative. Liaisons and Ambassadors shared their efforts and successes collaborating with both private landowners and public agencies, like the US Forest Service, and partners such as AOPA. Speakers discussed backcountry airfield opportunities, and relevant state and federal policies addressed each group. "The regional educational conferences are an invaluable opportunity to meet with the other RAF key volunteers from our regions. It is a great chance to network and discuss projects and successful approaches to challenges. I have yet to go to one and not come home with a new idea to use in my own region," said Drew Lyons, and RAF Liaison for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. RAF volunteers and directors came from across the country at their own expense, beginning with the April meeting in AOPA’s Frederick, Maryland headquarters and a one-on-one conversation with new AOPA President Darren Pleasance. The Midwest event took place in May in Brainerd, Minnesota. Legendary Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina, was the site of September’s gathering, and owner Pat Hartness co-hosted the event with typical Southern hospitality. Most of the attendees tent camped in the spacious lawns of the underwing camping area. The final conference highlighted working with public lands, and New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller invited Camille Howes, Gila National Forest Supervisor, to address the group. “She had a great message of encouragement for everyone, as well as insights into how we can continue to assist our Forest Service partners in furthering recreational airstrip opportunities,” said RAF Operations Coordinator Kodi Myhre. "Our educational conferences are a key place to give our volunteers tools and information to continue to advocate for recreational aviation access and collaborate with each other," RAF Volunteer Coordinator Erin White said. "Having great aviation partners and guest speakers really elevates the level of education at the conferences, and we're continually impressed by the level of commitment and accomplishments of our volunteers."

John was blessed to have two neighbors with 1000s of hours in Cessna 185s, and obtained his private pilot license with their encouragement in 2013. They introduced him to the magic of backcountry Idaho and the amazing capabilities of a 185. He purchased his own at the Big Creek Lodge in 2014. John was introduced to the RAF in 2018, at a fly-out to Seeley Lake around AOPA’s Missoula fly-in, and a few weeks later at RAF’s fly-in at Ryan Field. He is a firm believer in the RAF’s mission. Without RAF’s advocacy, he fears the steady loss of precious resources. John retired from the Coca-Cola system in 2017 after 25 years of service. His career prior to Coke included five years in operations consulting with Booz Allen & Hamilton, and three years with Hewlett Packard in Boise, Idaho – where his love of the west was born. When not flying, John enjoys tennis, photography and woodworking – a skill he is actively applying to a new house he and his wife Blythe are building in Longboat Key, FL. His border collie, Tot (pictured here perched on her RTIC cooler throne), isn’t a fan of how loud a 185 is, but thinks Johnson Creek’s airstrip is the most amazing place to chase a frisbee on the planet. jhodgson@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025

Liz grew up in Louisiana, but she has lived in Georgia with her husband, Mike, for the past 35 years. They have two grown sons, John and Will. Liz’s interests include reading, DIY projects, walking/hiking, hanging out with friends, and accompanying Mike on camping trips, fishing excursions, or flights in his Carbon Cub. She enjoys spending time at their lake house and especially at their home in Driggs, Idaho. Her favorite vacations usually involve a national park. ltouchstone@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025

Ed wanted to fly as long as he could remember. Growing up as an “Air Force Brat,” his early life involved living on air bases, watching airplanes and living among Air Force pilots. His father flew P-47, P-38 and P-51 fighters in the South Pacific during the Second World War. Ed has enjoyed GA flying since getting his license to fly in 1977. He was exposed to and fell in love with backcountry flying only a few years ago. Among other airplanes, Ed has flown several types of backcountry planes. He currently flies a C182 King Katmai. Ed believes in the RAF and wants to do all he can to support the RAF Mission. ecooper@theraf.org Submitted October 30, 2025