The RAF can’t say enough about Jo Schumacher and all she does for the organization.

“Jo works her fanny off at Sullivan Lake, Sun ‘n Fun and other events, helping “man” the booths, cooking for RAF crews, cleaning and organizing,” says RAF’s Tricia McKenna. “She is just a great cheerleader, supporter and hard worker.  And just loads of fun!”

Jo’s volunteer work at the RAF follows a career of 21 years in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard that included duties as a heavy equipment operator, airplane crew chief, and mechanic on KC-135 tankers worldwide, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt prior to and during Desert Storm.

She is one of the lucky ones who can call two beautiful places home: growing up on the beaches in Southern California and in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After getting off USAF active duty, she joined the Air National Guard and in her spare time, obtained her AA degree in Botany.

Jo’s love for aviation began when she was on active duty with the USAF and got a ride in the right seat of an O-2 (Cessna 337).  She went on to obtain her private license. Over the years she’s logged 350 some hours, mostly in Cessna’s.

When she’s not involved in all things “air,” Jo spends her time gardening, quilting, camping, and hiking. She also enjoys photography and art.

“She loves the RAF and RAF people; and, of course, Bob,” says Bob Kay, Jo’s husband and WA State Liaison for the RAF.

Pictured on the right: Jo, after a long day of work at Sullivan Lake with fellow RAF volunteer Berkley Hudson.

We love Jo and appreciate all she does for the organization.  She is the poster child for a great volunteer.

Sharing Special Places With Special People

I’ve been flying throughout MT with my father since my earliest memories as a child and have been flying throughout the state and elsewhere since I was 17. Like all aviator fathers, I search out opportunities to share that passion with my kids. This weekend for me posed the most fortunate opportunity to collage an experience and set of memories, I believe, that not even the grips of something like Alzheimer’s could steal.

I’d been planning on attending the MT Schafer Meadow work session since early spring, and the initial plan was that only I would be able to attend. In the early a.m on the departure date my oldest son, 11 years old, was getting quite stirred that I was going camping and was persistently indicating he wanted to come too. He began packing a bag and before I knew it was in the truck on his way to go airplane camping with his father in Schafer Meadow.

Schafer Meadow, Great Bear Wilderness, Bob Marshall Complex, MT

Now to preface: My oldest son was born with Down Syndrome and has never liked airplanes. We had attempted endless times since he was a wee little boy just to get him to sit in an airplane let alone fly in one. We took him on a trip to Idaho three years ago and it led to having to land in McCall and getting a hotel room as he was terrified by flying in slight turbulence. Needless to say this was the first time he had willingly been near or flown in an airplane since.

Dothan prepares for Departure

This trip was a new beginning for Dothan. He was excited to open the hangar door, load the airplane, and he even independently jumped into the passenger seat and said “LETS GO DAD”. Heck, I was so amazed that I forgot to check the baggage door and had to stop on the ramp to close it. When in route to Schafer we once again encountered some slight turbulence and Dothan proceeded to look over at me and said “ITS ALRIGHT DAD”, wow!! In the eleven years with our son I wouldn’t trade any of them and this was surely one of those joyful moments that brought a tear to your eye.  

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RAF Featured Member Carmine Mowbray

If there was ever an individual who epitomizes volunteerism for the Recreational Aviation Foundation, it is Carmine Mowbray, from Polson, Montana. She has volunteered her time to publish the RAF Newsletter, sent out press releases and RAF Briefs, worked on the pilot shelter at Ryan Field, swung a Pulaski cutting sage brush at a Missouri Breaks airstrip and staffed the RAF booth at trade shows.

Carmine is a native of western Washington, moving to Montana in 1973. She and her husband became involved in the printing business, starting small and growing to a regional printing plant serving much of western Montana, along with a small chain of award-winning weekly newspapers. For nearly two decades they flew a Turbo Lance to manage their six locations around Montana. At the same time they were raising four very lively children, all of whom have gone on to Montana Universities. They sold the publishing enterprise to a larger chain in 2000. At that time the Mowbray’s company employed 50 people.

Not one to be idle, Carmine has pursued many interests. She has served on a local bank advisory board for five years and taught motorcycle safety for ten years. She now serves on the local Polson hospital board, the Flathead Lakers board (a regional water quality advocacy organization), is active in the community summer theater,  produced an award winning radio show for Montana Public Radio, has written her first historical novel for younger readers, and does portrait art work. To top this all off, she has just finished her first term in the Montana Senate where, she says, “It’s a real honor and very stimulating to be surrounded with 49 type-A workaholics who love to argue. ”

Carmine now owns an older model Cessna 182 equipped with a three blade prop and a Sportsman STOL. “I can reach some outstanding places with this plane. By supporting the RAF we can all work together to maintain the destinations we all are privileged to use. ” Carmine says, “I would give up lattes, the beauty shop and even shoes to keep on flying. ”

If you are out in the backcountry and see Carmine with her blue and white Cessna 182, stop for a minute and tell her thanks for all she does for the RAF.