RAF IMPROVES CAMPING FACILITIES AT BOWSTRING

RAF Minnesota Liaison Kurt Pennuto reports that the May 31-June 2 Bowstring work party weekend was “a huge success.” Volunteers completed two campsites, one with four tent pads and one with five tent pads. Each site now has an RAF fire ring, a picnic table and is just a short walk to a newly constructed outhouse. They installed a mailbox to hold a sign-in book and RAF information, and capped the work by installing signs at each campsite, “The RAF Supports This Airstrip”. All of the projects were funded by an RAF grant. For details on Bowstring ( 9Y0) see the Airfield.Gui de.

“The support from the Bowstring airport commission is a great partnership,” Kurt said, pointing out that five airport board members pitched in to help: Ken Reichert, Greg Miller, Mark Mathisen, Robert Johnson, and Robert Styve.

Minnesota RAF Ambassador Rick Mercil attended, along with other volunteers Scott Moon, Frank Vittorio, Paul Schillo, and John Welna.

“On Sunday four more planes flew in to visit and check out the progress of the work party and marvel at our work,” Kurt said. One was Jason Jenson, a Department of Natural Resources pilot out tracking wolves, and one was RAF member Peter Howell who submitted an article about Bowstring to his RV pilot group.

“Jason Jenson has a keen interest in our mission, and his knowledge and connections within the DNR are valuable to us,” Kurt said. “Jason has given both Rick and me useful insight to the decision making process at the state level. We look for continued partnering with Jason and the state Department of Natural Resources,” he added.

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Submitted on June 11, 2019

Posted in News

WORTH THE READ: CINDY CROSS GUEST EDITORIAL

October 22, 2026

Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This guest editorial is by Cindy Cross, RAF VP of Appreciation.

RAF FIRE HUB INSTALLED AT BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

October 21, 2026

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Parish family, who own the Beechcraft Museum, along with other RAF volunteers, contributed to the preparation and installation of the fire hub. They completed the project in time for folks to enjoy it during the annual Beech Party event over the October 10-11 weekend. The 20-foot diameter permanent concrete base was provided by a private donor. The fire ring and three 10-foot-long propeller blades were designed and fabricated by RAF Volunteer Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana, with design assistance from Pete's son Matt Smith of Bozeman, Montana. The structure lies east of the 2,775-ft turf Parish Aerodrome runway adjacent to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “This permanent installation will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026

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