Major Donald J “Walmart” Stanford is a native of Florida and attended college at Christopher Newport University in Virginia.  He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in July 2008 and designated a Naval Aviator in 2011.

1stLt Stanford reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 in November 2011 and deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 12.2. In April 2014 Captain Stanford deployed as part of the HMH-361 Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa Japan. During his tenure at HMH-361, Capt Stanford attended the Aviation Safety Officer Course and held several operations and maintenance billets.

Capt Stanford reported to 2nd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment (V21) in June 2015 for duties as a Forward Air Controller.  He deployed in February 2016 on the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the USS NEW ORLEANS.

In July 2017, Captain Stanford was part of a three aircraft detachment aboard the USS SOMMERSET for support of UNITAS 2017 in Lima, Peru.  

Captain Stanford deployed with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 as the ACE Logistics Officer on the 13th MEU. Walmart was promoted to Major in August 2018.  While deployed, he conducted contingency operations in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE in late 2018.

Selected for MV-22B Osprey transition in 2018, Major Stanford attended initial MV-22B fight training upon return from the 13th MEU and was designated an MV-22 pilot in 2019. Upon completion of the MV-22 transition syllabus, Major Stanford reported to VMM-162 and deployed as the Aviation Maintenance Officer on the 24th MEU.

Major Stanford is currently assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, where he serves as an Instructor Pilot, Aviation Maintenance Officer, and Executive Officer.

Major Stanford’s personal decorations include the Strike Flight Air Medal with number 4, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star), and the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal.