Carol McCue

Myra Munson was interviewed by Bill Schneider on September 7, 2010 at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. She is an attorney with the law firm of Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson and Perry in Juneau, Alaska. She was Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) from 1986-1990, and prior to that was Assistant Attorney General in the Alaska Department of Law primarily representing DHSS cases. In this interview, she talks about the evolution of mental health services in Alaska, the community mental health movement, the state's role in funding and delivering mental health services, and the integration between mental health and substance abuse treatments. In addition, she discusses the mental health trust lawsuit and settlement and why it was not resolved during the administration of Governor Steve Cowper.

A. Robert Smith was interviewed by Karen Perdue with videography by Deborah Lawton and Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on April 29, 2009 in a recording studio at KUAC radio/tv on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. William Schneider was also present during the interview. A. Robert Smith talks about his experience as a young journalist in Washington D.C. in the mid-1950s reporting on the congressional oversight hearings for Morningside Hospital, and the battle over Congress' passage of Alaska's Mental Health Enabling Act.

Dr. Joe Bloom was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on April 20, 2010 at his home in Portland, Oregon about his career as a provider of mental health services in Alaska. As a psychiatrist, he helped establish mental health programs for the Indian Health Service in Alaska in the late 1960s, and worked to provide coordinated services for rural Alaska. He also worked as a private psychiatrist in Anchorage, and later went on to teach psychiatry and be the dean of the Oregon Health and Science University Medical School in Portland, Oregon. He retired in 2001, but has remained active with psychiatry and health board issues in Oregon. In this interview, Joe talks about becoming a psychiatrist, working for the Indian Health Service in Alaska, working in rural Alaska, coordination between different agencies and hospitals, and changes in Alaskan mental health services. 

Don Brandon was interviewed by Bill Schneider on April 20, 2009 in his office at the Region 10 Disability Business Technical Assistance Center in Seattle, Washington. He shares the story of his family, their care for his two brothers who resided for a period of time at Morningside Hospital, and his observations on disability services in Alaska.

Jim Gottstein was interviewed by Bill Schneider at his office on April 5, 2007 in Anchorage, Alaska. He was not expecting a recorded interview, but graciously agreed to spare the time, even though it was late in the day. The interview took place in the conference room of his law office. Jim outlines in detail the land issues related to the Mental Health Trust, and it is clear how his interest and experience with land issues for Native Corporations prepared him to address the Trust Case. Jim had personal experience with the mental health delivery system and its inadequacies and, like many others associated with the lawsuit, he is passionate about addressing the rights of the mentally ill and the responsibilities of the state to meet their needs.

Thelma Langdon was interviewed by Bill Schneider on May 24, 2007, at her home in Anchorage, Alaska. She is the wife of Dr. J. Ray Langdon, who was a former medical director at Morningside Mental Hospital in Portland, Oregon and director of mental health services in Alaska just after statehood. She describes their involvement with treating Alaska's mentally ill and broader mental health services. She describes living and working conditions at Morningside Hospital, her husband's approach to treating patients, and she is critical of a federal investigation that occurred at the hospital. Thelma discusses her husband's dissatisfaction with Alaska's approach to mental health services, his firing by Governor Egan, and establishment of the Langdon Clinic to deliver services to patients statewide. Thelma was the first chair person of the Alaska Mental Health Board (1988-1990), and started the first statewide effort to serve people with dementia. Thelma demonstrates a deep connection with and compassion for the mentally ill and feels that not enough has been done to address their needs.

George Rogers was interviewed by Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks, April 4, 2008 in Juneau, Alaska. This interview was conducted by KUAC staff at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau, Alaska as part of a video documentary project about Alaska's first senator, Bob Bartlett. The interview was videotaped by Deb Lawton of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks, and it has been edited from its original for this project. In this excerpt from the second tape of the interview, George Rogers talks about his involvement with the Mental Health Trust settlement period. He discusses his role in land selection, and valuation, serving on the Interim Mental Health Commission and Mental Health Trust Board, and the difficulties he faced during the process. George Rogers was also interviewed by Karen Brewster on May 31, 2006, at his home in Juneau, Alaska.

John Malone was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Perdue with videography by Deborah Lawton and Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on April 16, 2008 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. John was also interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on March 11, 2008 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Former Alaska Governor Steve Cowper was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Perdue with videography by Deborah Lawton and Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on April 25, 2008 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. He discusses his role in the mental health trust settlement. He first became familiar with mental health issues as District Attorney in Fairbanks, Alaska when he traveled around the state. He was the lawyer on the Vern Weiss case in 1982 and in 1986 became Governor of Alaska when the settlement case was being debated in the courts and between parts of the State government. He also talks about his friendship and experiences with John Malone.

This is a continuation of the interview with Tom Koester by Bill Schneider on July 28, 2008 at his home in Juneau, Alaska.

Dr. Aron Wolf was interviewed by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 7, 2010 at his private psychiatric office in Anchorage, Alaska. He came to Alaska in the late 1960s with the United States Air Force to provide mental health services to soldiers at remote bases, to dependents, and to veterans. He worked at the Langdon Clinic from 1970 to 1995, was medical director for Providence medical system until 2004, and then returned to private practice. In this interview, Dr. Wolf talks about the evolution of mental health services in Alaska, the role of community mental health centers, the field of forensic psychiatry, vocational rehabilitation programs, and the behavioral health aide program.

Tom Hawkins was interviewed by Karen Brewster and Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on June 10, 2009 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. He has worked as a land manager for the federal government, the State of Alaska, and Alaska Native corporations. He was an original member of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority board of trustees formed in 1994 and served until April, 2009. He also chaired their resource management committee for many years. In this interview, Tom discusses dealing with the land aspects of the mental health trust settlement when he worked for the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, assessing the trust reconstitution, and his role as a trustee with the Mental Health Trust Authority.

Nelson Page was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on June 10, 2009 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. He is a lawyer with Burr, Pease and Kurtz in Anchorage, Alaska. He was an original member of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees serving until 2008, and was the board's first chairman. In this interview, Nelson talks about the legal aspects of the mental health trust lawsuit, land selection and settlement, his work with the Disability Law Center, the establishment and functioning of the Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees, and his personal connection with disability services through raising foster children.

Dick Branton was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on June 11, 2009 at his home in Wasilla, Alaska. He began his career in law enforcement before Alaska became a state. He moved into work with the Department of Corrections for the State of Alaska and developing programs to reform and rehabilitate prisoners. Eventually, he served as Deputy Director for the state's Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities where he helped promote cross training between mental health providers and corretions staff in order to best help mental health patients with criminal backgrounds. In this interview, Dick discusses his career and accomplishments, his work with delivery of mental health services in Alaska and how this has changed over the years, and the effects of the mental health trust lands battle and lawsuit. The interview continues in part two.

This is a continuation of an interview with Ella Craig by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on November 13, 2008 at the Mental Health Trust Authority office in Anchorage, Alaska. 

This is a continuation of the interview with Dr. Jerry Schrader by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on April 19, 2010 at his home in Salem, Oregon.

This is a continuation of the interview with Judge James von der Heydt by Judge Niesje Steinkruger and Karen Brewster on December 9, 2010 at his condominium overlooking Cook Inlet in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.

This is a continuation of the interview with Dr. Roy Moss by Karen Brewster on October 27, 2010 at the historic Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria, California.

This is a continuation of an interview with Harold "Doc" South by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 8, 2010 at his home in Palmer, Alaska. This is the second of three tapes.

John and Louise Maakestad were interviewed by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 8, 2010at their apartment at the Anchorage Pioneer Home in Anchorage, Alaska. John was born in Petersburg, Alaska, became a Lutheran pastor, served in Shishmaref and Nome in the 1950s and early 1960s, and served as the chaplain at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute from 1963-1984. In this interview, John talks about his ministry career working with the mentally ill and the specialized training he received in pastoral care. In addition, as parents of a developmentally disabled daughter, the Maakestads discuss delivery of and access to services for the developmentally disabled. 

Ella Craig was interviewed by Karen Brewster and Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on June 10, 2009 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. This was a follow-up to the first interview (which consists of two parts) to record onto broadcast quality videotape some of Ella's key stories and experiences related to Morningside Hospital, being a social worker in the early days, and the delivery of mental health services in rural Alaska. So, some of this interview may be a repeat of the first interview, or in some cases she may tell the same story in a different way. Ella was also interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on November 13, 2008 at the Mental Health Trust Authority office in Anchorage, Alaska.

In part two of this three part interview, Jeff Jessee continues being interviewed by Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on November 30, 2009 in a recording studio at KUAC radio/tv on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.

Jeff Jessee was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 1, 2010 at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. This is a continuation of a three part interview on November 30, 2009 where he talked about his early career and how he got involved with the mental health trust. In this two part interview, Jeff talks about the establishment and organization of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (MHTA), and how it influences mental health programs in Alaska. He discusses MHTA's focus areas, examples of their accomplishments for positive change in delivery of mental health services, as well as mentioning challenges they face.

Elaine Ritschard was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on April 20, 2010 at Summerset Lodge retirement community in Gladstone, Oregon, a suburb of Portland, where she currently lives. Elaine worked as a nurse at Morningside Hospital in the 1960s, first on the emergency unit and later she was head nurse of the children's ward where she established a kids activity center. In this interview, Elaine talks about becoming a nurse, balancing her work and home life, and conditions, patient treatment, and staff relations at Morningside Hospital. Her son, Brad, a recently retired police officer, joined in on part of the interview, but mostly he just listened.

Duane and Sanna LeVan were interviewed on April 9, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason, and Karen Brewster at their home in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, the LeVans talk about life in Seward and how it has changed, and the 1964 Earthquake. They talk about skiing, hiking, camping, boating, hunting, and snowmachining in the Exit Glacier area, construction of Herman Leirer Road to the glacier, community use of the area, and their thoughts on the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Doug McRae was interviewed on April 10, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason, and Karen Brewster at his home in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Doug talks about growing up in Seward, the 1964 Earthquake, his guiding business, hunting and trapping in the Seward area, changes in wildlife populations, mining, the Fish and Game Advisory Board, and carving. He talks about trapping, hunting, flying, and snowmachining in the Exit Glacier area, remote airstrips, old cabins, the stranded bulldozer up Resurrection River, the road to Exit Glacier, and the negative effects national parks have on hunting.

Gary Zimmerman was interviewed on April 10, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster, and Shannon Kovac at the Van Gilder Hotel in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Gary talks about his dad's snowmachine tourist operation, hunting, changes in wildlife populations, and his love of snowmachining, being a responsible snowmachiner, and snowmachine access issues. He talks about snowmachining and hunting in the Exit Glacier area, snowmachining and skiing on the ice field, changes in the glaciers, the road to the glacier, his thoughts about the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park and use and access issues.

Tom Gillespie was interviewed on April 11, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason and Karen Brewster at his home on Bear Lake in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Tom talks about growing up in the Exit Glacier Road area, logging and sawmills, flooding at Clear Creek and Old Exit Glacier Road, the 1964 Earthquake, changes in wildlife populations, backcountry trails and running routes, the Mount Marathon race, and changes in Seward. He talks about skiing, hiking, climbing, camping, snowmachining, trapping and hunting in the Exit Glacier area, expeditions on the Harding Icefield, and changes in the glacier.

Dan Seavey was interviewed on April 11, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason, and Karen Brewster at his home in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Dan talks about changes in Seward, the 1964 Earthquake, commercial fishing, his dog mushing career, and training and racing sled dogs. He talks about living on a homestead on Old Exit Glacier Road (Seavey's Corner), using horses, hunting and trapping in the Exit Glacier area, the road to the glacier, and local use of the area.

Percy Blatchford was interviewed on April 12, 2010 by Rachel Mason, Don Callaway and Karen Brewster at the Van Gilder Hotel in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, he talks about his childhood, working as a longshoreman, the Native community in Seward and organization of the Qutekcak Tribe, hunting around Seward, changes in wildlife populations, and the 1964 Earthquake. He talks about helping build the Herman Leirer Road to Exit Glacier, especially the blasting work he did, how people have used the area, and how the road affected use.

This is a continuation of an interview with Warren and Mary Huss by Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster and Shannon Kovac on August 5, 2010 at their home in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Warren and Mary talk about their hunting and snowmachine activities in the Exit Glacier area, changes in wildlife populations and changes in Seward since they moved there, and views about the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park and how it should be managed.

Val Anderson was interviewed on August 6, 2010 by Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster and Shannon Kovac at his home in Seward, Alaska. Val's wife, Jean, was present at the interview and periodically added her own comments (she passed away in November 2010). In this interview, Val talks about growing up on the island and what life was like in the area in the 1930s and 1940s, his father's guiding operation, being in the Army in World War II stationed at Shemya Island, working as a longshoreman on the waterfront in Seward, the 1964 Earthquake, and how Seward has changed over time. He talks about helping build the Herman Leirer Road to Exit Glacier, especially the blasting work he did, and how people have used the area.

This is a continuation of an inteview with Keith and Jackie Campbell by Rachel Mason and Karen Brewster on August 6, 2010 at their home in Seward, Alaska. In this part of the interview, Keith and Jackie talk about construction of the road to Exit Glacier, their snowmachining, hunting and hiking activities, and establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Bob White was interviewed on August 7, 2010 by Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster, and Shannon Kovac at his gun shop in Seward, Alaska. At the time of the interview, he owned his own floor covering business and a gun shop. He is married to the daughter of Val and Jean Anderson. In this interview, Bob talks about his family background, commercial fishing, hunting, changes in Seward, and changes in wildlife populations. He talks about hunting, trapping, dogmushing, snowmachining, and using horses in the Exit Glacier area, cabins and airstrips, the stranded bulldozer up Resurrection River, the road to the glacier, changes to the river and glacier, and his thoughts about establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Keith Knighten was interviewed on August 7, 2010 by Rachel Mason, Shannon Kovac and Karen Brewster at the offices of Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Keith talks about his childhood, becoming a pilot, working for the Coast Guard, flying adventures and crashes, the challenges of flying in the Seward area, changes in Seward, and activities at Nuka Bay. He talks about hunting in the Exit Glacier area, flying clients in and out of the area, snowmachine tourism on the glacier, the road to the glacier, and his thoughts on the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

This is a continuation of an interview with Bud Rice by Rachel Mason and Karen Brewster on December 10, 2010 at the offices of the National Park Service in Anchorage, Alaska. In this part of the interview, Bud talks about skiing, hiking, snowmachining and hunting in the Exit Glacier area, changes in Exit Glacier, conducting scientific research on the glacier, working for the National Park Service on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and climate change issues.

Maranda Nelson was interviewed on May 11, 2011 by Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster, and Shannon Kovac at the Qutekcak Tribal Office in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Maranda talks about her childhood, the Native community in Seward, race relations, subsistence activities, changes in wildlife populations, and the 1964 Earthquake. She talks about trapping, berry picking, hunting, and skiing in the Exit Glacier area, the road to the glacier, and her thoughts on the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

This is a continuation of an interview with Page Spencer by Rachel Mason and Karen Brewster on May 12, 2011 at the offices of the National Park Service in Anchorage, Alaska. In this part of the interview, Page talks about cross-country skiing in the Exit Glacier area, changes in the glacier and animal populations, collecting mushrooms, impacts from snowmachines, and park management issues.

Michael Carey was interviewed on May 26, 2009 by Charles Fedullo at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Michael Carey assesses the career of Senator Ted Stevens and his contributions to Alaska. Carey also talks about his personal relationship with the Senator, Stevens’ relationship with the media, Stevens’ skill as a legislator, the corruption trial at the end of Stevens’ career, and the Stevens legacy.

Alaska Congressman Don Young was interviewed on May 27, 2009 by Charles Fedullo and Paul McCarthy in the Congressman's office in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Congressman Young talks about meeting Senator Ted Stevens, how they became friends, their working relationship, key Alaska issues Stevens worked on, and Stevens temper, successes and tragedies. Congressman Young provides a general assessment of Senator Stevens’ contributions and legacy.

This is a continuation of the interview with John Katz on June 8, 2009 by Charles Fedullo and Paul McCarthy in the State of Alaska Office in Washington, D.C. This is a continuation from tape number Oral History 2009-13-06, Part 1. In this part of the interview, John Katz talks about Senator Stevens’ concern for rural Alaska, his ability to work with all types of people, and his dealing with personal and professional loss.

Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye was interviewed on June 9, 2009 by Charles Fedullo and Paul McCarthy in the Senator's Appropriations Office in Washington, D.C. In this interview, Senator Inouye talks about how he and Senator Stevens became such close friends, their working relationship in the Senate, building bi-partisanship, and issues of common concern. On a more personal level, Inouye reflects on Senator Stevens’ strengths, weaknesses, the effects of the corruption trial, and the most difficult times in the senator’s life. Senator Inouye also provides a general assessment of Stevens’ contributions and legacy.

Will Arthur was interviewed on May 24, 2011 by Mary Anne Hamblen and Karen Brewster in Washington D.C. In this interview, he talks about working with the Senator as a driver, his assistant, and eventually his archivist. He regarded Senator Stevens as a father figure and enjoyed his time working for Stevens. He talks about the staff loyalty, Stevens’ temper, some of Stevens’ greatest strengths, and some of the issues that he was passionate about.

This is a continuation of the interview with Will Arthur on May 24, 2011 by Mary Anne Hamblen and Karen Brewster in Washington D.C. This is a continuation of tape numbers Oral History 2011-21-02, Parts 1 and 2. In this third and final part of the interview, Will Arthur talks about Senator Ted Stevens' sense of humor, how he helped Will in his current career, and his personal relationship with the Senator.

This is a continuation of the interview with Senator Mike Gravel on May 26, 2011 by Mary Anne Hamblen and Karen Brewster at his home in Burlingame, California. This is a continuation from tape number Oral History 2011-21-03, Part 1, and continues on tape number Oral History 2011-21-03, Part 3. In this part of the interview, Senator Mike Gravel talks about nuclear testing on Amchitka Island, how the media affected his relationship with Senator Ted Stevens, Stevens’ temper, and some of Stevens’ accomplishments. He also talks about working with Senator Stevens in the Senate, what he was like in private, and some important issues they worked on while in office.

Mary Shields was interviewed on May 9, 2011 by William Schneider and Marla Statscewich at Mary's home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Mary talks about learning to drive a dog team, doing back country travel by dog team, training dogs, running the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, camping with dogs, mushing in Siberia, and her tourism business. For more about Mary Shields and her dog team adventures, see Sled Dog Trails by Mary Shields (Fairbanks, AK: Pyrola Publishing Company, 1984).

Hugh and Sandra Connelly were interviewed on February 19, 1986 by William Schneider and Doris Southall in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this excerpt of the first tape of the interview, Hugh Connelly talks about working as a section crew member for the Alaska Railroad, the pay scale and work conditions, and working out of Curry. In addition to the railroad, Hugh talks about more details of his life, and his judge career, and Sandra talks about working as a nurse, conditions at the hospital, life in Anchorage, meeting her husband, and working for the Weather Bureau in Fairbanks. The full interview was recorded on two tapes and the audio of both are available in this project.

Adele Deville Smith was interviewed in September 1974 by Neville Jacobs in Anchorage, Alaska. In this excerpt of the interview, she talks about Katalla and Cordova, Alaska, the Copper River Railroad, the influence of the Guggenheim family on the railroads in the area, and the early oil and coal exploration in Katalla. In addition to the railroad, Adele talks about her family history, growing up in Katalla, early oil and coal exploration in Katalla, the Native populations and issues related to segregation, her father’s discovery of the Treadwell Mine, traveling by boat to Cordova and Anchorage, old-timers in Cordova, wreck of the ship Portland, and living in Kodiak.

Fred Hupprich was interviewed on January 7, 1994 by Margaret Van Cleve in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two-part interview, Fred talks about growing up in Nenana, the railroad’s role in the community, railroad jobs, and working as a trucker. He also talks about life in Nenana, the Native population, celebration of holidays and recreation, construction and re-location of the sternwheeler Nenana, World War II in Alaska, and hauling freight and supplies.

Dan Gullickson was interviewed on January 27, 2010 by Karen Brewster at the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Dan talks about the history of the Tanana Valley Railroad, and the Friends of the Tanana Valley Railroad’s project to restore Engine #1. He also mentions history of railroads in the Nome area.

Duane LeVan was interviewed on April 11, 2010 by Karen Brewster in Seward, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Duane talks about working for the Alaska Railroad in Seward as a warehouse man transferring freight from ship to train, the role of the railroad in Seward, changes in the longshoring operation with the development of containers and cranes, the impact of the 1964 Earthquake, and the demise of the railroad operation.

Donald Bedford was interviewed on January 20, 1998 by Charles "Chuck" Mobley at the Bedford's home in Auke Bay, Alaska. Don's wife, Carol Bedford, was also present during the interview. In this interview, Don talks about his experiences flying, working as a mechanic for companies like Lockheed Martin, Alaska Coastal Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, and his knowledge of different airplane engines.

Ellen Evak Paneok was interviewed on May 8, 1994 by Margaret Van Cleve at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, Alaska after Ellen gave a presentation at the Northern Alaska Aviation Symposium. In this interview, Ellen talks about her love of antique airplanes, a scary flight involving carbon monoxide poisoning, and several crashes she escaped from.

Red Williams was interviewed on March 7, 1985 by Bill Schneider at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Red talks about coming to Alaska with nothing more than the clothes on his back, learning to fly and making a business out of it. He also discusses combining teaching in the winter and flying in the summer, flying in difficult conditions, and close calls he had.

Ransom Tony (R.T.) Schultz made this recording of himself on July 6, 1981 in Fairbanks, Alaska. He speaks about the role of aviation in forest firefighting operations around Alaska, including the types of airplanes used and what conditions were like.