Honoring Names with Presence
The loss of a crew is felt deeply across the entire aviation community, but perhaps nowhere more than here in the “Air Capital of the World.” On November 4, 2025, Flight 2976 left a void in the hearts of families, friends, and colleagues that can never truly be filled.
We were recently humbled to be invited into the healing process by creating two permanent memorials for Captain Richard Wartenberg, Captain Dana Diamond, and First Officer Lee Truitt. It was a project that required more than just technical skill; it required a deep sense of reverence.
Honoring Names with Presence
The first phase of the memorial was the dedication of the Wartenberg – Diamond – Truitt Conference Room. To create a space that felt both professional and respectful, we utilized:
Dimensional Lettering: Precision-cut via CNC to provide a tactile, enduring presence.
Sleek Substrate: A black painted backdrop that allows the silver lettering to stand out with clarity and dignity.
This room now serves as a place of collaboration and decision-making—a fitting tribute to leaders who dedicated their lives to the precision and teamwork of flight.
A Monument to Flight 2976
The second piece was a custom-designed memorial plaque, a project of significant scale (44″ x 35″) and intricate detail. We wanted the materials to reflect the strength and elegance of aviation:
The Foundation: A rich, hand-finished walnut backing provides a warm, organic contrast to the industrial elements.
The Icons: Large-scale aluminum numbers “2976” dominate the design, featuring a custom cutout of a climbing aircraft—a symbol of their final ascent.
The Poetry: We partnered with McFaddin Marketing to print the iconic poem “High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee Jr. onto aluminum. Its words, “I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth,” have long served as the pilot’s liturgy, and they felt especially poignant here.
Installation: To ensure the piece felt “integrated” into the wall, we utilized a French cleat system for a secure, flush mount.
A Community United
In the wake of the November 4th tragedy, the outpouring of support from the global UPS family and the local community has been a testament to the character of these three individuals. While we work with wood, metal, and machines every day, projects like this remind us of the power of physical memory.
These memorials aren’t just signs or plaques; they are anchors for those left behind. They ensure that when people walk through these halls or gather in these rooms, the names Wartenberg, Diamond, and Truitt are spoken, remembered, and honored.