Vice President of Appreciation
LYNN GARDNER
Vice President of Appreciation Former RAF Florida Ambassador Lynn Gardner moved to South Carolina, but she’s not leaving her commitment to the RAF mission. Lynn is stepping into the important role of VP of Appreciation. Lynn grew up in aviation. Her father was a Piper dealer and ran the FBO at the Bay Bridge Airport in Maryland before moving his…
Read MoreED COOPER
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…
Read MoreLIZ TOUCHSTONE
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…
Read MoreJOHN HODGSON
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…
Read MoreANDI HOWELL
Andi Howell has been co-piloting (ok, sleeping) in the right seat of their RV9a since her husband, Pete, finished building it in 2006. Finding the RAF has allowed them to unite their interests: Andi’s for camping, hiking and the outdoors, and Pete’s for flying. Her other hobbies include reading, puzzles, games, theater and travel. Submitted on March…
Read MoreKARI DEFREEST
Vice President of Appreciation Kari is active professionally as an occupational therapist and educator. In addition to the RAF, she volunteers with organizations dedicated to education and the arts. When not flying to remote lake cabins for recreation, Kari enjoys baking, reading, and playing with the local community concert band. She lives in the rainforest…
Read MoreLibby Maus
Libby Maus – daughter, sister, wife, mother, and educator. “I’ve enjoyed it all,” she says. Her spirit of adventure has taken her to ski hills, lakes and rivers, hunting grounds and “outdoor vacations”. She is always happy to meet you and hear about you and your life, as well as share her own experiences. Libby…
Read MoreJULIE POWELL
Born and raised in Michigan, Julie Powell relocated to Rogers, Arkansas with her husband Dave 35 years ago. They have two wonderful children, both gainfully employed and “off the pay roll” and still in close communication, so life is very good! Julie loves the outdoors; running, hiking, biking, camping, skiing and of course, backcountry flying. Arkansas…
Read MoreMATHIEU LABS
Vice President of Appreciation Mathieu’s love of aviation started at the age of 1 when his grandpa gave him a ride in his Cessna 150. Since then, he has been to OSH every year since 1990, either flying in with grandpa, flying himself, or just camping. He enjoys flying Young Eagles and is the President/Young…
Read MoreLISA BALLANTYNE
Lisa Ballantyne married into a flying family and earned her private pilot’s license in 1977. She flew a Piper Tomahawk until it was sold in preparation for a move to Alaska in 1980. Once in Alaska and since that time, husband Ray Ballantyne (WA Ambassador) has done all the flying in the various planes they…
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