[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 97 (Wednesday, June 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E913-E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING ROBERT L. AYERS ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 17, 2015

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
life of a beloved leader in the Merced community, Robert L. Ayers on 
his 90th birthday. Bob was born in New York's most populous borough, 
Brooklyn, on June 14, 1925.
  During his youth. Robert and his family lived in different parts of 
New York but eventually

[[Page E914]]

settled in the town of Bellmore, Long Island. Growing up during the 
Great Depression his family was faced with daily struggles, despite the 
economic hardships, Robert continued to strive towards a better future.
  On June 19, 1942, at the young age of seventeen, Robert left his 
hometown of Bellmore with the goal of enlisting in the Navy. As part of 
the Navy Squadron VPB-33, he was stationed in South America and also 
the South Pacific where his active duties involved chasing submarines, 
air sea rescue, and sinking enemy ships. In February of 1945, Robert 
returned to the states and was stationed at NAS, Jacksonville, Florida.
  Shortly after his return, Bob was released from the Navy and 
immediately joined the Marine Corps. He spent two years as a Marine and 
then resigned to pursue service in the Army Air Corps where he gained 
experience from all over the world. Not only did he heroically fight in 
the Korean War but also his perseverance continued throughout the 
Vietnam War.
  Upon returning to the homeland. Robert met his wife Yvonne and they 
were married on January 19, 1946. After bravely serving his country for 
twenty-eight years, Robert retired from the Air Force on July 31, 1970 
and he and his wife moved to Merced, California.
  For two years Robert sold insurance and then decided to try his luck 
in the title and escrow business at First Merced Title Co. Transamerica 
Title Company bought the company in March 1977 and by July, he was 
named the branch manager where he remained until 1985. It was then he 
decided to become a business owner when he purchased the company and 
formed TransCounty Title Co. After numerous years in the business, Bob 
made the decision to retire in 2010, turning the operation over to his 
daughter Peg, who is now the president. TransCounty Title Co. remains 
the only locally owned title company in Merced County.
  In addition to being a business owner, Bob was a dynamic member of 
the Merced community. He was actively involved in Kiwanis and served on 
the capital campaign for Mercy Medical Center. Also, he has been an 
active contributor to the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce and both 
higher education facilities, UC Merced and Merced College.
  During their nearly 70 years of marriage, Robert and Yvonne welcomed 
three children, sons Robert Jr. and John Ayers and daughter Peg Larson. 
Both sons followed in their father's footsteps by serving their 
country. Robert Jr. is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army 
and a retired correctional warden of several California State prisons. 
Their son John pursued a career in medicine and served as a medic in 
the United States Navy. Currently, he works in the surgery center at 
Marin General Hospital.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Robert Ayers for his 
unwavering leadership, and recognizing his accomplishments and 
contributions to this nation. As Bob celebrates his 90th birthday, he 
serves as an example of excellence to those in our community.

                          ____________________