Statement Honoring the Life of Allan Alfred Voigt
June 3, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Allan Alfred Voigt, a truly remarkable Renaissance man who passed away May 13, 2011. Al Voigt was a scientist who held several patents, an artist, a community leader, a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Judith, a caring and inspiring father to his children, Che and Shanta, and doting grandfather to Logan Allan and Katherine Annabelle.
Al founded a series of aerospace engineering firms in Sonoma County that contributed to some of our most important national defense projects. His technical innovations in tactical missile and surveillance systems led to the development and success of the Stinger missile and Predator drone. More than 350 people in Sonoma County have high paying, technical engineering and manufacturing jobs because of these projects.
But Al's passions were much more extensive. He and his wife founded the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation, which has placed more than two dozen sculptures, either pieces owned by the foundation or on loan by collaborative artists, in publically accessible places in Sonoma County. He also won furniture design awards with his abstract chairs and his aerodynamic tricycles have set world speed records.
Mr. Speaker, Al Voigt was a prodigious thinker who never rested on his laurels. He was always looking ahead for the next idea. His fundamental skill was analyzing a problem and finding the solution, whether it was in national defense, art, or a functional piece of furniture. It is therefore appropriate that we honor him at this time for his service to our country and to his community.
Al founded a series of aerospace engineering firms in Sonoma County that contributed to some of our most important national defense projects. His technical innovations in tactical missile and surveillance systems led to the development and success of the Stinger missile and Predator drone. More than 350 people in Sonoma County have high paying, technical engineering and manufacturing jobs because of these projects.
But Al's passions were much more extensive. He and his wife founded the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation, which has placed more than two dozen sculptures, either pieces owned by the foundation or on loan by collaborative artists, in publically accessible places in Sonoma County. He also won furniture design awards with his abstract chairs and his aerodynamic tricycles have set world speed records.
Mr. Speaker, Al Voigt was a prodigious thinker who never rested on his laurels. He was always looking ahead for the next idea. His fundamental skill was analyzing a problem and finding the solution, whether it was in national defense, art, or a functional piece of furniture. It is therefore appropriate that we honor him at this time for his service to our country and to his community.
Issues:Defense