Meet the commander: Col. James Vogel Published Aug. 23, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- "Looking back more than 20 years ago, I never would have thought I would be in the position I am today, nor would I have imagined myself accomplishing and experiencing everything that I have," said Col. James Vogel, the new 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group commander. Colonel Vogel had always had an interest in airplanes; however, with an alpine skiing scholarship to the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, there wasn't a great deal of room to contemplate an Air Force career. During his senior year, while finishing his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, the Air Force Officer Training School presented him with the option to become a pilot and, in turn, opening the door for his military career. The beginning years in the Air Force, proved to be a busy time for Colonel Vogel. He married his wife, Lori, after graduating OTS and one week prior to attending flight school at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. "My wife has seen me through my military career for more than 22 years," Colonel Vogel said. After pilot training at Sheppard AFB, Texas, he became a student at the F-15C Eagle Replacement Training Unit here on Tyndall. After his training, he was transferred to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as an instructor pilot and assistant chief of weapons and tactics at the 12th Fighter Squadron. Directly following, he was stationed at Joint Base Langley- Eustis, Va., and Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., as the F-15 flight commander and F-15C test program officer. Colonel Vogel then continued his career at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., for almost nine years. At Nellis AFB, he transitioned from the F-15C Eagle to the F-22 Raptor. He also went to Naval War College in 2010. He returned from school in 2011, as the commander of Detachment 6, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Nellis, before coming to the 53rd WEG in July 2012. "During my time at Nellis AFB, I've received multiple temporary duty assignments to Tyndall AFB to utilize the great services of the 53rd WEG," Colonel Vogel said. "The family and I are looking forward to our assignment here. The beaches are beautiful, and we can't wait to get some time to go out and enjoy what the local area has to offer." Colonel Vogel has two daughters, ages 18 and 13, and a son who is 7. His oldest daughter will be attending Yale University in the Fall 2012. Although he has spent his fair share of time in the Air Force and experienced a vast amount of assignments, Colonel Vogel said every day continues to be an eye-opening experience. "I've had many great experiences, such as my first flight in the F-15C, the F-22 Raptor, and the opportunity to command at the group level," said Colonel Vogel. "It is extremely rewarding to have met all the people I have during my career. "The people I've met along the way have influenced me the most; from the leaders and mentors above me, to the people that worked beside and under me. The culture we have in the Air Force, the way that we do business, has helped me learn how to get the mission done. This culture will prepare me for all obstacles that may lie ahead, in and out of work." Through the upcoming year, the 53rd WEG, along with its host unit, the 325th Fighter Wing, will be undergoing some major changes, as the base transitions from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command in October. The 53rd WEG will also be standing down the QF-4 drones and standing up the QF-16 drones. "There will be some challenges that we will face as a unit, and it's important that we get it right, so we can sustain our mission in the future," added Colonel Vogel. "I am confident in the Airmen." In order to counteract the upcoming obstacles, Colonel Vogel said the Airmen will need to have their heart, as well as their well-being, in the right place. "It is vital that we love our job and love the mission," Colonel Vogel said. "It is also import that we take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually, and it is just as necessary to take care of our families; our families will be with us much longer than our job. These are all key factors that further ensure the success of the group."