Raymond Anthony Stanten (1963-2010): Raymond Stanten's fascination with airplanes began as a young child, as his military family with recent German roots presented many occasions for air travel. While his childhood dream of becoming a pilot was dashed by poor eyesight, Raymond was still able to turn his personal passion into a career largely dedicated to aviation. A mechanical engineer, Raymond interned with Swissair's engineering group in Zurich, Switzerland during college; worked in design engineering at General Electric Aircraft Engines in Lynne, MA and Evendale, OH after graduate school; and finally worked in power plant engineering at United Airlines Maintenance Base in San Francisco, CA. Besides his contributions to jet engine efficiency, reliability, and safety, Raymond never lost the childlike thrill and sense of awe at seeing an airplane take off, land, or soar overhead.

The Stanten family is thrilled to have this opportunity to honor his memory at the Udvar-Hazy Center, a place not just where we can recognize his contributions to and love for aviation, but where we also have cherished memories of family visits with him during his tragically short life.