Peaceful Sky Benefit

URGENT UPDATE!

Dear Supporters,

While the US election holds public attention, extremely consequential bipartisan military authorizations are proceeding without due process at breakneck speed.

Thanks to your attention, numerous public comments, and pressure by Representative Grijalva, the Air Force granted an extension for public input on “SUA Optimization” of AZ/NM until November 12 - barely more one week away.

However, we continue to learn additional details about the layers of impunity and negligent opacity involved in this issue, daily.

Yesterday, our friends at Peaceful Chiricahua Skies released their account of the Air Force withholding comments issued by the US Forestry Service regarding its position on the proposals, despite formal request through the Freedom of Information Act.

Meanwhile, it is increasingly evident that restructuring airspace and military operations in AZ will relate to the development of next-generation AI enabled surveillance/targeting, hypersonic drones, and un-crewed aircraft. The Air Force is not disclosing whether it plans to deploy these types of technologies in civilian areas where new airspace authorizations are proposed.

Air Force Special Operations Command held an assumption of command ceremony at Davis-Monthan AFB on October 8, 2024; although the DEIS for AFSOC restructuring of Davis-Monthan AFB was only released October 25th, 2024 at 492 SOW Beddown EIS

The 45-day public review and comment period extends from October 25 to December 9, 2024.

Please continue to comment at AZ Regional Airspace EIS Comments until November 12; and now comment at 492sow-beddown-eis.com until at least December 9.

Here are key points to make in comments:

- The US DOD has negligently avoided serious research, disclosures, and due process in the proposals for AZ Regional Air Space Optimization and AFSOC SOW Beddown at Davis-Monthan AFB.

- The two DEIS documents released by the Air Force pertinent to these two proposals are deceptive, and fail to fulfill the responsibilities required for their passage. We, the public, demand that these two proposals be re-drafted and re-submitted for public review.

- Serious research based on public comments made to the Air Force regarding these two DEIS documents - plus immediate clarification by the Air Force on how these two proposals relate to the potential development, training, and operation of next-generation AI enabled surveillance/targeting, hypersonic drones, and un-crewed aircraft in AZ and NM airspaces - are imperative.

Again, please continue to comment at AZ Regional Airspace EIS Comments until November 12; and now comment at 492 SOW Beddown EIS until at least December 9.

Despite time constraints imposed by the Air Force which have made it very difficult to organize surrounding the comment periods, we and other community members have coordinated a public forum on very short notice, next Sunday, November 10 in Tucson AZ. Please join us if you are able, and spread the word.

Find more about this forum at the Peaceful Chiricahua Skies FB event page

Additional announcements for the forum will be shared at the Peaceful Sky Benefit IG page (@peacefulskybenefit), and on other pages in the coming days.

Stay tuned!

With your invaluable support,

Peaceful Sky Volunteers

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About

The US Air Force has announced plans to severely escalate training over the most biodiverse region of the continental United States, where air combat training especially harms conservation areas and Native communities. The Peaceful Sky Benefit is civic action in response to the proposed "U.S. A.F. SUA Optimization" of New Mexico and Arizona. We are a grassroots endeavor by concerned citizens, unaffiliated with any agency or organization.

In solidarity for peaceful skies and equitable stewardship of the region, the Peaceful Sky Benefit presented 4 events featuring local and touring musicians at different Tucson venues, February 19 - 22, 2023, which substantially increased public awareness of the dangers and neglect posed by the Air Force proposals. Attendees were able to contribute directly to select NGOs that are leading equitable stewardship of threatened areas.

Media

The Peaceful Sky Benefit's 4 Days in Solidarity for Peaceful Skies

At the 14-minute mark, in the February 9, 2023 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT

Associated Artists

Michael Begay / Thollem / Laura Tohe / Chelsey Lee Trejo / Edie Tsong / Chris Jonas / Red Cell / Carlos Santistevan / Igloo Martian / Dan Howarth / Rob Wallace / Cyrus Campbell / Brian McOmber / Naïm Amor / Lauren Sarah Hayes / Vicki Brown / Gabby Isaac / Raven Chacon / ACVilla / Sage Bond / Just Najima / Flor de Nopal / Ruben Cuk Baak / Crisosto Apache / Lynnette Haozous / Unwound / Quasi / Sonya Blade / Hot Pursuit Of Happiness / Los Velvets / Gabrielle Pietrangelo / Compersion / Monica Aissa Martinez / Ahchipaptunhe / Julius Schlosburg

Community/Business Supporters

Copper Canyon Trails / EVERYBODY / Ruchikala / Sand-Reckoner Vineyards / Indent Books & Magazines / Best Life Presents

General contributions to this GoFundMe made before March 15, 2023 were allocated as sponsorship stipends for musicians who traveled from outside Tucson to perform in the Peaceful Sky Benefit events. Contributions earmarked for event beneficiaries were disbursed to The Border Chronicle, a weekly newsletter that publishes original, on-the-ground reporting, analysis, and commentary from a border perspective; and that has pledged to increase awareness of the proposals.

Heartfelt thanks to the artists, our GoFundMe contributors, and our community/business supporters. This endeavor has been successful only with your help. You have our gratitude.

Cover photography of the Chiricahua Mountains region by Julius Schlosburg