JOE DELEON
Florida Ambassador
Recent Posts
Volunteers gathered at Rockwood Airport in eastern Tennessee the first weekend of November to continue working on two Fly Rocky Top airfield projects. The RAF project leaders are Tennessee Ambassador Matt Axley and Fly Rocky Top Team Lead Jeff Smith of nearby Lenoir City. RAF Ambassadors Kevin Johnson (OR) and George Weaver (ID), along with Liaison Steve Thompson (OK), traveled to help direct the efforts, aided by dozens of local and regional volunteers, many of whom camped on site. Heavy rains had ceased, leaving morning mists and sunshine for outdoor work. The crew concentrated efforts on a large pilot pavilion at Smuggler’s Landing, the 2,400-ft turf landing area with under-wing camping at Rockwood, KRKW, which will be the basecamp for the network of up to seven backcountry airfields, as part of the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. In October, the crew poured concrete for the pavilion, and started building small post-and-beam picnic shelters at McGraw’s Backyard and Higdon Field. The ground at Higdon Field was too soft to return there to finish the picnic shelter, so the crew focused work on McGraw’s and Smuggler’s Landing.
The 2026 RAF Photo Contest has concluded. Thanks to our supporters, we had a great turnout of submissions! Our VPs of Appreciation reviewed and judged them anonymously, selecting 20 winning photos. VP of Appreciation Cindy Cross, who facilitates photo contest submissions, said, “I love the RAF Photo Contest. After logging about 200 entries I feel like I went barnstorming around our country in 31 days. Thanks to everyone who shared their sense of adventure and the passion of flying into recreational airstrips. I can’t wait to go flying again!" Each winner will receive a package of high-quality greeting cards with their photo on the front and photo credit on the back. All photos – even those of the non-winners – are archived for possible future use in RAF publicity, including photo credit. Thank you to everyone who participated! It’s not too early to start thinking about photos for next year’s contest!
The RAF is seeking State Liaisons across the U.S.! Join our team of volunteers who find camaraderie, fulfillment, and pleasure in preserving special places.
At this time of year we are reminded of those who have given so much, so that we and future generations may share the experiences that matter to people like us—a flat place to pitch your tent, a pilot shelter to get out of the weather, or a fire ring to share a beverage and a story with friends. We have all been the benefactor of someone else's generosity which has enriched our lives in the backcountry; that vault toilet didn't place itself, and neither did the firewood. It's a good reminder that we all have opportunities to pay it forward. Like many people, you may be considering year-end charitable contributions. From a one time or recurring gift, to IRA/401k Qualified Charitable Distributions and donations of publicly traded stock, there are several planned giving options to help your gift also benefit you financially. You may not be aware of a new opportunity this year: Those who use the standard deduction (like most taxpayers) can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) for their direct donation to the RAF, without itemizing. This gives everyone a charitable giving tax-advantage, not just high-income donors who itemize.
Cody Koch grew up in Truckee, California, where he developed a love for aviation and the outdoors at a young age. Growing up around airplanes and flying with his dad sparked his interest in becoming a pilot. He went on to earn his Private Pilot Certificate while still in high school and is now studying aviation at Gallatin College through Montana State University, working toward additional ratings with hopes of pursuing a career in aviation. Outside of flying, Cody enjoys camping, off-roading, and just about anything that gets him outdoors. Music is also a big part of his life, whether he’s playing it himself or catching a live show. He has always enjoyed working with his hands and has a particular passion for working on the cars passed down to him by his grandfather. One of Cody’s longtime dreams is to own a Super Cub and explore the backcountry by air. He hopes to one day visit some of the remote airstrips that the RAF works to protect and is glad to be part of an organization that helps keep these places accessible to pilots. Submitted on November 3, 2026
