Tom Rastin

Tom Rastin was born in Tabriz, Iran. At the age of ten he began visiting the USA every summer to train with a swim team in Lafayette, LA where he lived with the team coach. His father was the head of the Iranian Swimming Federation and hoped his son would learn both English and swimming. At the time, Iran was a trading partner and ally of America. When the Iranian Revolution (1978) transpired, Tom was already in college at Louisiana State University and was able to stay in the United States. He eventually achieved a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and became a citizen of the USA in his early 20’s.Tom began his career at Ariel Corporation in 1994 as an applications engineer and today is the Vice President of Engineering, Sales, and Marketing. His experience, as a first generation American has instilled deep gratitude for the unique opportunity that only America offers to people of every kind and background. He believes in providing the same opportunities for succeeding generations. He has set up a specific scholarship fund for engineering and is also involved in personally funding education and coaching for youth who need help to get on the “right” path. Additionally, Tom has often funded projects for Mount Vernon’s First Responders (police, fire fighters, EMT’s) for health and wellbeing and better equipment to do their jobs. The Ariel Foundation will ensure that Tom’s philanthropy will continue into the future.Tom is married to Karen Buchwald Wright.