GOODSPEED, CONNECTICUT IMPROVED WITH RAF GRANT

RAF Connecticut Liaison Brian Thomas reports on a successful work party at Goodspeed, 42B over the August 24-25 weekend. Thomas used an RAF grant for materials for campground improvements.

“On Saturday morning at 10 we had a great turnout of about twelve to fifteen folks who were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and had construction expertise,” Thomas said. The group included Massachusetts/Rhode Island Liaison Drew Lyons, and new Connecticut Ambassador Dan Capossela. By 1 pm volunteers had built all four tent platforms, installed the park-style barbecue grill, laid out the fire pit area, and dug the kiosk holes. “Bill McEnery, the airport manager, was kind enough to grill us up some lunch, and we finished a few more odds and ends before calling it a day around two pm,” he added.

About seven people arrived on Sunday and trimmed all the landscape fabric under the tent platforms, completed the fire pit with stone, set up the informational kiosk, and had enough time to build an impromptu firewood rack and stack the truckload of donated firewood. “Bill’s wife Kim was kind enough to cook us some lunch and we all ate and admired our handy work,” Thomas said.

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The RAF fire ring was fabricated in Montana and is on its way to Connecticut. Thomas anticipates it can be placed and ready for use the first week of September.

“Team Goodspeed donated a triple-axle load of stone for the project and allowed me to borrow the trailer to pick up supplies. Most importantly, we could not have done this without all the support from RAF donors as well as the pilots local to Goodspeed. It was a great team effort,” Thomas said.

“Goodspeed is a poster-perfect picturesque New England airport nestled next to the Connecticut River,” Thomas added. Just steps away from the airport is the opportunity for fishing and kayaking; and the town of East Haddam with its Opera House, fine dining, and coffee shops.

For information on Goodspeed, see the Airfield Guide.

Submitted August 30, 2024
By Carmine Mowbray

Posted in News

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MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS WORK AT HANLEY

October 21, 2026

Michigan RAF volunteers had a very successful work party at Hanley Field (5Y7) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the October 10-11 weekend. Led by Michigan Ambassador Ryan Minnick, the crew, including Michigan Liaison Tanmoy Ganguly, cut and stacked firewood, repaired the sink and water heater, and relocated the airport sign along the road for better visibility. “We had a great weekend and got a good amount of work done. It was great connecting with supporters from the area,” Minnick said. “The assistant airport manager was there and was very happy with the results that came out of the work party.” Fourteen remained to camp Saturday night. Find more about Hanley Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026