VOLUNTEERS BRAVE CORNUCOPIA CHILL TO COMPLETE TASKS

Not everyone could get volunteers to show up for outdoor work on a Wisconsin airfield on the windy shores of Lake Superior in December. But RAF Director Jeff Russell and Wisconsin Liaison Amanda Levin were successful gathering a dozen folks who cheerfully helped take on maintenance and improvements at Cornucopia, including airport manager Tim Kaseno. Minnesota Liaison Amy Gesch and Wisconsin Ambassador Charlie Miller attended, as well.

“Amazingly, the hardy group braved the sub-zero wind chills and accomplished all the planned tasks for the weekend,” Russell said. They built privacy and windbreak fencing around the porta-potties, and planted beautiful evergreen trees thanks to Charlie Miller bringing his skid steer and tree spade. Volunteers removed brush along the sides of the runway; piled it and burned it, enjoying the chance to warm by the fire between labors.

“We just concluded our phase two work party at Sacaton landing strip, and I think we are about ninety percent finished,” RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller reported. Approval must come from the Glenwood District Ranger before Sacaton is open for general recreational use after decades of closure and neglect. As of now, usage is limited to facilitate additional work.

Thanks to a recent cooperative Challenge Cost Share agreement between the RAF and the Gila National Forest, work to reopen the airstrip began October 24-26 to lay out the runway footprint and clear the first 2,000 feet, and install a windsock pole. RAF supporter Randy Roth brought his front end loader and moved hundreds of basketball- and larger-size rocks that had made the “X” in the middle of the runway. He repurposed them around the segmented circle. Roth attached this heavy auger and drilled the holes for the windsock pole. Using the rear blade, he carved out the new runway and removed small trees. “What a huge help,” Keller said, “And he was always the first one working every morning.”

Keller conducted additional work the week of October 31.

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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