Peaceful Sky Benefit

Two US Air Force proposals threaten to erode the future of outdoor life, research, and recreation in southern Arizona and New Mexico

In 2022, the Air Force proposed to intensify air combat training (SUA Optimization) over vast protected lands of the Southwest. The process for this plan advanced nearly three years without legitimate analysis, transparency, or public engagement. A final decision is pending.

Spring, 2024, a second proposal was announced: plans to transform Tucson’s Davis-Monthan airbase into the third US Air Force Special Operations hub (SOW Beddown). Tactical developments with profound dangers to public safety would be supported by the devastating airspace permissions awaiting action - and accelerate a foreign policy trajectory the majority of Americans polled reject.

August to November, 2024, a rising movement of concerned elected officials, Tribal Councils, counties, towns, organizations, community groups, businesses, and individuals sent thousands of comments to the Air Force regarding the unacceptability of their report (DEIS) on the proposed changes to rules for regional air combat training.

December, 2024, twenty-seven signatories - including artists, educators, journalists, owners of beloved local businesses, professionals of law and medicine; founders, board members, and coordinators of regional organizations focused on sustainability, conservation, and peace - submitted comments regarding the less conspicuous Air Force report (DEIS) on SOW Beddown, which ignores grave public risk.

Add your name to this petition to endorse that document.

We are grateful for military service in defense of liberty. Yet, the proposals to restructure Davis-Monthan and southwest regional airspace demonstrate a culture of complacency and mismanagement that is undemocratic. To renounce dereliction at the highest levels of leadership is to defend honorable service.

Should we forsake regional safety, heritage, and critical ecology to accelerate Irregular Warfare the majority of Americans reject?

Davis-Monthan is being transformed into one of only three Air Force bases in the United States for this function, without democratic transparency.

We urge individuals and organizations to continue fostering awareness and legal action surrounding these proposals - to safeguard the future of Tucson, rural communities, protected tribal and public lands, countryside internationally revered in scientific research, and an entire region of unparalleled ecology.

When facing the proposals’ passage (anticipated 2025), let us reconvene with enough leverage to demand elected officials represent their constituents’ voices.

The health and safety of home must come before the aims of arms-tech investors and weaponry buyers.

Please join and share the petition - Your consciousness and action are meaningful and appreciated

@peacefulskybenefit

Video clip from the Nov 10, 2024 public forum in Tucson AZ

About

In 2022, Peaceful Sky Benefit began as community action unaffiliated with any agency or organization, addressing the proposal to intensify air combat training over vast protected lands in Southern Arizona and New Mexico (SUA Optimization).

In solidarity for peaceful skies and equitable stewardship of the region, the Peaceful Sky Benefit presented four 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 which 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