[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 79 (Friday, June 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1044-E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING ALLAN ALFRED VOIGT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 3, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
pay tribute to Allan

[[Page E1045]]

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.

                          ____________________