In memory of David Raimondi Mentor. Guide. Inspiration.

 On April 5th, 2025, as our team declared our final two qualification flights for the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) 2025, I wanted to take a moment to honor someone who helped launch this journey from the very beginning: David Raimondi.

When I first founded Golden Gate Rocket Labs club, I had passion, ambition—and a lot to learn. David was the first person to step forward, offering his time, mentorship, and guidance as we prepared to compete in the American Rocketry Challenge 2023.

I still remember when my team tried to build our first rocket out of a plumber’s PVC pipe. David came to my house, gently pointed out the challenges with our approach, and then patiently showed us a better way.

He didn’t just teach us about rockets—he taught us about patience, creativity, and how to approach every problem with curiosity and care. His influence helped shape not only our early rockets but the values that continue to guide our club today.

Though I am now the only original member still in the team, David’s legacy lives on in every new generation of teammates, every launch, and every lesson we carry forward.

This year, we are proud to say that we have qualified for the National Finals of the American Rocketry Challenge 2025.

I remember when our team first entered TARC in 2023, we made team shirts and wanted to give one to David. He smiled and told us he already had so many shirts—but if we ever made it to Nationals and had a special shirt for that, he would gladly accept it.

David, we did it.
We made it to Nationals.
We made the shirt.
I wish you were here to take it.
I know you see it—and I know you are proud of us.

Thank you, David.
You lit the spark.
This one was for you. 🚀
— Andrew Truong, President / Founder