[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ALLEN CAYIR, ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2009

  Mr. BACCA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Allen Cayir, 
President of Transech Engineers, Inc., who will receive the prestigious 
Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
  Established in 1986 by the National Ethnic Coalition of 
Organizations, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor pays tribute to our 
nation's immigrant heritage by recognizing those individuals whose 
achievements have helped to foster respect and understanding for 
America's ethnic diversity. Since the award began, recipients have 
included United States Senators, Congressman, Nobel Laureates, military 
leaders, outstanding athletes, and clergy.
  A native of Turkey, Mr. Cayir, or ``Ali'' as he is known to his 
friends, arrived in the United States after earning an engineering 
degree from Istanbul Technical University. In 1989, he founded 
Transtech Engineers, Inc, which provides professional and technical 
expertise to governmental agencies, educational institutions and the 
private development sector.
  Through his dedication and hard work, he was able to grow the 
business to a multi-million dollar enterprise. Notable projects over 
the years have included the Alhambra Civic Center Public Library and 
the Renovation of the Historic Santa Fe Depot Train Station in San 
Bernardino, California.
  In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ali is also known 
for his philanthropic contributions. He has participated in fundraising 
activities for the Tools for Education organization at California State 
University San Bernardino, as well as helped with the restoration work 
at Mission San Juan Capistrano. In 2005, Ali started a matching fund 
drive for local businesses for Hurricane Katrina victims, and 
personally matched other funds collected.
  Ali is a volunteer teacher at California State University, where he 
sits on the board of the College of Education and the Tools for 
Education Project. He was instrumental in raising $3 million for a new 
education building at the University.
  He is also very active in the Southern California Hispanic community, 
engaging in many community organizations that provide support services 
to the Latino population. In 2006, the Embracing Latino Leadership 
Alliance honored Ali with the ``Honorary Latino Citizen'' award.
  Finally, Ali is a founding Board Member of American Friends of Israel 
and Turkey, an organization dedicated to improve cooperation and 
understanding between American, Turkish, and Israeli citizens by 
supporting cultural, ethnic, and community events.
  Throughout his extraordinary career as an engineer and community 
servant, Ali has always remained a dedicated family man. For the past 
31 years, he has been married to his wife Sybil. Together, they have a 
daughter, who is currently following in her father's footsteps, 
pursuing a degree in civil engineering.
  On behalf of myself, my wife, and my family, I congratulate Mr. Cayir 
for this tremendous honor. His contributions to his family and his 
community provide a wonderful example of service for all Americans to 
follow.

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