Peaceful Sky Benefit

URGENT ALERT!

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for dangerous changes to air combat training in AZ and NM is out.

It avoids analyzing serious impacts of the plan - which we now know will advance the transformation of Tucson's Davis-Monthan base into one of only three US hubs for AFSOC overseas armament, moving training from the Goldwater range to rural towns, Native communities, and protected areas of AZ and NM - freeing the range for even worse hazards.

Combat aircraft activity in the region would double.

The Air Force is holding public hearings and taking public comments until October 9.

Momentum opposing this plan is suddenly growing. Solidarity surrounding de-escalation of Southwest regional militarization for the testing, training, and transfer of arms is kicking up.

Multiple organizations are collaborating to organize a rapid-response public awareness event in Tucson - stay tuned.

Meanwhile, please see the Red Alert post on Instagram @peacefulskybenefit, and share it across online platforms - to facilitate attending public hearings, contacting lawmakers, and sending the Air Force comments from any state or other location!

Peaceful Sky Red Alert on IG

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