JOHN CYRIER

Texas native John Cyrier became enamored with aviation at age 11, when his older brother flew him in a J3 Cub to a local airshow. He received his private pilot license shortly after graduating from Texas A&M University where he was in the Air Force ROTC and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. John currently owns a ‘41 Stearman biplane and a variety of other aircraft, including a ‘78 Woody Pusher, RV4, ’76 Citabria, ’64 Baron and a ’56 T-28C. John’s love of flying prompted him to build an 1800’ grass runway on his ranch in 2006, and he has embarked on many flying adventures from there ever since.

One of John’s most memorable aviation experiences was flying a CAF World War II fighter plane, the P-39Q Airacobra, to Oshkosh AirVenture in 2022 to honor 100-year-old WWII Triple Ace Bud Anderson. A historic formation flight with Bud flying in the back of a P-51 with all three of his fighters (P-39Q, P-51B and P-51D) decorated as OLD CROW off his wing topped off the event.


John owned a commercial general contracting firm for many years and served as a Texas State Representative from 2015-2023. He currently runs a consulting company called Someday Strategies. He is on the General Staff for the Commemorative Air Force and is Chair of the San Marcos Airport Advisory Board, Founder of the Lockhart Flying Club, Past Chair of the TX Legislature GA Caucus for 6 years, and a Lifetime member of AOPA, EAA and CAF.


John became involved with the RAF in 2015 as a supporter, and that same year, co-authored a bill to add aviation language to the Texas Recreational Use Statute. The bill did not pass, but he received an Attorney General’s opinion substantiating that protection for aviation already existed within the RUS. In recent years he has helped Texas Liaison Tres Clinton with a variety of efforts, including revitalizing several airstrip gems in West Texas. John also worked with Texas Parks and Wildlife to create a MOU with the RAF to help foster future runways and camping sites. Moving forward, he is enthusiastic about serving as a Co-Liaison with Tres to advance the RAF mission.


“The RAF combines my two passions in life of flying and providing people access to the great outdoors,” John said. “I am thrilled to be a part of this fantastic organization and look forward to helping serve its supporters into the next twenty years.”

    Recent Posts

MARCEL LEBLANC

By lellington • September 15, 2026

DON'T HAVE TO LOOK FAR

By John McKenna • September 14, 2026
Sometimes one needs to look no further than one's incoming correspondence to find inspiration. Just this past week, folks passionate about the RAF mission reached out to me with suggestions that would bring resources to the RAF. Whether they be one-off items that we might offer, or events like large fundraisers, these folks are offering some thoughts on how we might continue to pay the bills. Additionally, we’re receiving word from folks with new destinations on their mind, and some pretty cool ones at that. Along the way, my inbox – as well as my calendar – is filled with updates on our Expanding the Map effort, with an emphasis on Fly Rocky Top. The Fly Rocky Top initiative in Tennessee is generating strong interest, and for good reason. It feels great. Folks are showing up to pitch in, with significant work projects planned. Trish and I, along with other board members, will be there to lend a hand to this exciting project. We are coming up on our annual year-end letter, which you will be seeing not long from now. In addition to showcasing a few more of our successful projects, we will be seeking your support. Stand by. I’ll wrap this up by letting you know that we could not be more pleased with how you all are doing your part. Thank you. It is so healthy to have an organization that uses passion as a primary energy source. - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted September 14, 2026

GARRISON DAM RECREATIONAL AIRPARK IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE

September 11, 2026
“We had a busy day at Garrison Dam Recreational Airpark, as we continue to work on the underwing camping area,” RAF North Dakota Liaison Brian Rau reported. Rau was awarded an RAF grant in spring of 2026 to convert an adjacent day-use park into an airport camping area, and had organized volunteers who began the project in May. The airport, 37N, is closed while the runway and taxiway are being upgraded by a contractor for the ND Aeronautics Commission.

PACK A TRASH BAG

By Stef Goza • September 9, 2026
You know the feeling. You set the airplane down somewhere spectacular, shut off the engine, and enjoy the pristine landscape in front of you. This is why you fly. Keeping airstrips pristine is everyone's responsibility. But one item that doesn’t always make it into the airplane is a good trash bag. Not for the trash you planned to make. For the trash you didn’t. Cans left in a fire ring, fishing line along the river, or food wrappers working their way through the brush. None of it came in your airplane, but you have the ability to get it out. That’s reason enough to tuck a couple of heavy-duty contractor bags in with your tie-down gear. They earn their space in other ways, too. A contractor bag can keep wet or muddy gear out of the baggage compartment, cover equipment in a downpour, collect rainwater, or become an emergency poncho or windbreak. It weighs almost nothing and takes up very little room. Throw a few in the airplane and leave them there. You may not need one for your own trash, but there is a good chance you’ll find another use for it—or find something worth carrying out. Submitted September 9, 2026 By Stef Goza, Etiquette Chair, Safety, Education, and Etiquette Committee

VOLUNTEERS CLEAR WILLOWS, TREES FROM MARBLE AIRFIELD

September 8, 2026
RAF Colorado Liaison Ken Long, Ambassador Mike Langersmith, and other RAF volunteers participated in an August work event at Marble, Colorado, a mountain airfield about 20 nm up the Crystal River drainage south of Carbondale. Airfield Manager Susan Blue put together the task list and oversaw the event that brought 21 volunteers in ten aircraft and four dogs.