SOUTH DAKOTA’S CUSTER STATE PARK DECISION

Mike overseeing the St. Ignatius Autumn Pumpkin Drop to benefit local children (pictured on the right).

When we start a new year, we’re tempted to focus only on what lies out in front of us. Yet, what does lie out front is generally some result of the past. To begin, the RAF would like to thank each of you who have responded to our year-end outreach, where we – as best we can – politely ask for your financial support. For those of you who have already responded, thank you, and for those who have yet to do so, we look forward to hearing from you. I was on the phone with long-time friend and early RAF director Tim Clifford. Tim and I were talking about how we best keep in touch with early RAF friends. Even more important, how do we express to you about those people who came before us, and what they accomplished? Dave Myrick of Arkansas was just one such guy. Not even quite sure how Dave entered the RAF, but when he did, we immediately knew he was going to be a family member you were always glad to see. Before there was a Trigger Gap or a Richland Creek, it was Dave who drove (yes, drove) around much of what we know as the heart of the Arkansas backcountry. He did so with the help of a small grant facilitated by the RAF and the Walton Family Foundation. He would get in his little pickup and drive up and down just about every farm road in the Ozarks. He’d take time to meet and talk to landowners and tell them of the backcountry aviation community’s interest in having “places to go.” He was pretty darn effective, as he was the catalyst for what we all know now as the Arkansas backcountry, Fly Oz, and, in general, just great relationships. When not seeking permission to land, he could be found working at a display table telling the RAF story, going to the state legislature to advocate for aviation in the statutes, and rustling up new enthusiastic supporters. When we learned that Dave had passed in 2024, we remembered him as a standout among so many who have built the RAF. People who cared deeply and worked to make it better for all of us. So, what I would like to ask is that we all keep the folks who have done so much to make this RAF thing work close to our hearts.  Next time you enjoy something that’s pretty darn cool, like Trigger Gap, it probably happened because of people like Dave. With that same spirit, let’s all look forward to what lies ahead, and step right up to the bar of 2026; and like Dave would have said, say, “This one’s on me!” - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted January 7, 2025.

The 2026 Hat is a limited-edition oilcloth cap designed to celebrate another year of achieving our mission! Featuring the water-resistant and durable oilcloth fabric, this hat is built for your next backcountry adventure. Get your 2026 RAF hat here before they sell out! If you have questions, please email contact@theraf.org or call 406-582-1723.  Your RAF Outfitter purchase is greatly appreciated and furthers the mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. You can support the RAF mission all year by shopping at the RAF Outfitter online store. Products are being added regularly, and items are thoughtfully selected for durability and suitability for pilots, by pilots. We welcome photos of supporters using RAF gear! Please send your images to ewhite@theraf.org , and let us know if we have permission to post them on social media or our website. Submitted January 5, 2026.

The RAF has some remarkable friends, and among them was long time generous RAF supporter Charlie Kuyk, retired USAF Major-General. Folks may remember that Charlie and USAF Colonel and NASA Astronaut Frank Borman were good friends, dating back to their time together at West Point in the late '40s. Charlie went into bombers, and Frank went into fighters, but they stayed fast friends through their lives. Frank passed away in 2023 in Billings, MT, and we regret to report that Charlie passed away this December in Gig Harbor, WA, at age 99½. “We were fortunate to reunite these two a couple of times as they told stories of their lifetimes, with then-RAF Director Pete Bunce graciously acting as moderator,” RAF President Bill McGlynn said. “The joke was that everyone understood why Charlie became a three-star general, while Frank remained a colonel. Frank's retort was that he logged more flight hours than Charlie by flying around the moon.” Charlie had an amazing 36-year military career spanning the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base and an Air Force Wing Commander, and a general officer in the R&D division of the Air Staff at the Pentagon, where he oversaw the development of the Cruise missile systems and stealth aircraft technology. “Most importantly, Charlie stood out as a good friend and an avid aviator, never losing his enthusiasm to climb into airplanes like ours, and go fly with someone,” McGlynn said, adding, “Blue skies and tailwinds, Charlie. You are remembered fondly.” Submitted December 31, 2025.