Sparks, Nev., May 16, 2014 – The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations' (NECO) awarded Fatih Ozmen, Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) CEO, the "Ellis Island Medal of Honor" at the 2014 Ellis Island Medals of Honor Ceremony on May 10, 2014 on Ellis Island, New York.
The Ellis Island Medals of Honor are presented annually to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups, while exemplifying the values and spirit of the American way of life. Ozmen was recognized for his patriotism, and for his lifetime contributions to advancing the technology, aviation and aerospace industries through SNC, while maintaining the traditions and values of his Turkish heritage.
"I am honored and humbled to receive such a distinguished award, and to be included among a group of individuals for whom I have such admiration and respect," said Ozmen. "I look forward to contributing more to the country's safety, health, environment and security in the future, as SNC builds tomorrow's technology today."
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which ranks among this country's most prestigious awards. Each year, recipients are listed in the Congressional Record honoring those who have made enduring contributions to our nation. Since the Medal was founded in 1986, NECO has honored six United States Presidents, Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, art, education and government.
Ozmen and his wife, Eren, SNC's president and chief financial officer, are the executive leaders at SNC, a private company with a strong reputation for rapid, innovative and agile technology solutions. They have made vast contributions to aerospace that span more than three decades. Earlier this year, SNC was ranked among the "World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space" by Fast Company magazine, named Nevada's 2014 "Aerospace Company of the Year" and named in the Top 10 Most Influential Turkish-Americans by TurkOfAmerica magazine. SNC was ranked Top 10 among the Nation's Fastest Growing Private Companies by Inc. Magazine for "Gross Dollars in Growth" in 2010 and "Revenue Growth for $Billion Companies" in 2011. The "Living Legends of Aviation" also named this dynamic couple "Aviation Entrepreneurs of the Year" in 2012 and then inducted them as permanent "Living Legends of Aviation" in 2013.
Among the Ozmen team's most revolutionary advancements is SNC's Dream Chaser® spacecraft, the company's answer to the retirement of NASA's space shuttle. The primary mission of the Dream Chaser is providing the United States with human spaceflight by transporting up to seven crew members and cargo to the International Space Station. The first orbital flight of the Dream Chaser Space System is on schedule for November 2016.
About National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations
The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) was created on the conviction of its founders that the diversity of the American people is what makes this nation great. Its mission is to honor and preserve this diversity and to foster tolerance, respect and understanding among religious and ethnic groups. NECO partners with respected organizations from around the world to sponsor life-saving initiatives, cultural events and educational programs. For more information, visit www.neco.org.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, is one of America's fastest growing private companies based on its significant expansion and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Under the leadership of CEO Fatih Ozmen and President Eren Ozmen, SNC has a workforce of over 3,000 personnel in 30 locations in 16 states. SNC's six unique business areas are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC's dynamic customer base.
SNC is also the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over the last 30 years under the Ozmen's leadership, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth also on the commercial sector through internal advancements in dual-use applications and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com and follow us at Facebook.com/SierraNevadaCorporation.