RYAN FIELD WORK PARTY A SUCCESS

Maybe it was the promise of Ande LaRoche’s barbecued brats and dutch-oven vegetables, but whatever it was brought out a crew of pilots and friends this weekend to get  Ryan Field (2MT1)  into shape for another season of flying.  Director Chuck Jarecki  outlined and prioritized the tasks, and folks brought their complementary skills.

Volunteers began showing up Friday, and began working in spite of the drenching rain. Crews filled low spots on the 2,500’ long runway and removed brush encroaching on the field. Crews cleared property lines and felled dead timber, bucking it up for firewood.

Saturday’s campfire chat ended about dusk, because everyone was exhausted from a long day of work. They all showed up again wearing their work gloves and smiles on Sunday morning.

Several flew in – one from as far as Pennsylvania – and camped beneath their wings, enjoying the use of the pilot shelter and wood cookstove. Some folks chose to drive – one from Jackson, WY – and the motorhomes and campers parked snugly along the timber’s edge.

As always, pilots are required to obtain a  safety briefing  and acknowledgement prior to flying to  Ryan Field.

A special thank you to Ande LaRoche of Marion, MT for Saturday night’s brats and dutch-oven vegetables for 30 hungry helpers.

Submitted June 4, 2013.


Posted in News

    Recent Posts

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.
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
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
By lellington • October 18, 2026
By lellington • October 18, 2026