Richard Vogel, Chief, Medical Incentives Division, Directorate of Assignments

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ARPC Spotlight --  Richard Vogel, chief of the Medical Incentives Division in the Directorate of Assignments, is the spotlight of the week.

He manages the Medical Incentive programs used to recruit doctors and nurses. 

Mr. Vogel retired from the Air Force with 22 years of active-duty service and has been a federal civilian employee for 18 months at ARPC. His hometown is Atlantic City, N.J., but he says he hasn't spent much time there in the last 30 years.

He calls himself a "fanatic" lap swimmer and said he's constantly reading. He's also traveled a lot, including to: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Africa, Morocco, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe.

What is your most memorable Air Force experience?

I spent most of my career in aircraft maintenance overseas: South Korea, Japan, Hawaii and Alaska. Most memorable was serving as the senior maintenance officer for three squadrons of F-15s at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, for two years. I had 800 maintainers, and we launched 15,680 sorties each year -- non-stop frantic action. Deployed to spots all over the Far East, including frequent deployments to South Korea, northern Japan and the Philippines. I went on to serve as squadron commander, deputy group commander and at the Pentagon. I loved every minute of it. 

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?

I think the Air Force is fantastic. I especially like working with enlisted people. I hate it when someone rains on their enthusiasm. Every issue is a leadership issue. The quality of a workplace or unit is a function of leadership -- the supervisor's ability to see clearly what needs to be done and to communicate it effectively to the people.

What would you like to do when you retire?

I haven't thought about it much. But I guess if I'm still fit, I'd like to go back to some exotic places and surf. I'm a lifelong surfer too, but there aren't any waves around here.