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LTC (Ret) Barbara Ann (Williams) Vogl
LTC Barbara Ann (Williams) Vogl was raised in Grand Prairie, TX, and graduated from high school with honors in 1958. She entered Arlington State College and pursued a degree in Psychology. She was the Sam Houston Rifles Sweetheart in 1961 and the Deputy Corps Sweetheart in 1962. After graduation in 1962, and a year in seminary school, Barbara entered the U.S. Army as the first commissioned female 2nd Lieutenant of the Woman’s Army Corps (WAC) from ASC.
Barbara’s early assignments focused on recruiting in Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, and New York. Barbara commanded the WAC Company at the United States Military Academy at West Point. She was also the adjutant for the 1st Infantry Battalion at the academy. She served one more year in recruiting in New York City and then was medically discharged from the Army due to pregnancy. In 1976 Army rules changed, and she was re-commissioned in May of that year. Barbara served in a reserve capacity in the 353rd Civil Affairs Command. She returned to active duty in 1979 and was assigned as the Public Affairs Officer, 77th U.S. Army Reserve Command. One of her primary duties was to reinstate the Memorial Day Parade down 5th Avenue in New York City. Her efforts were extremely successful and the parade continues to this day. In 1982 Barbara was assigned as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Fordham University, where she served for four years. In 1985 she became the adjutant of the 800th Military Police Brigade for four years. In May 1989 she became the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel, 77th U.S. Reserve Command (largest command in the U.S.). During her tour the Reserve Command processed over 3,500 soldiers into mobilization for Desert Storm.
During her military career Barbara earned a Master’s Degree in Communications at Fordham University and completed the United States Army Command and General Staff College (Reserve). Barbara retired in 1993.
After leaving the United States Army, Barbara was selected to serve as the District Director for Congressman Rick Lazio of New York’s Second Congressional District. In this position she supervised a congressional staff of ten and was primarily responsible for all congressional scheduling and activities within the Second Congressional District. Barbara’s organization of veterans’ awards ceremonies was so impressive that it was adopted by the U.S. House Republican Caucus as the standard for their ceremonies across the nation.
While pursuing a military career, Barbara raised three children and supported the musical and publishing career of her husband, Jim, and was editor of the local community newspaper in Brooklyn, New York. Later, she would become highly active in the American Veterans (AMVETS), where she was recognized as New York State Veteran of the Year 2001-2002. During this time Barbara is credited with saving a life when she volunteered the donation of one of her kidneys to a woman she did not know. For this selfless act she was recognized by the New York State Assembly and was given the Chapel of Four Chaplains, Legion of Honor Award in 2002.
After retiring to Texas, Barbara went to work at Gilmer First Baptist Church as the music minister’s assistant and as the church organist. She is presently serving as church secretary, accounts payable manager and church clerk. More than 1,300 members in the congregation enjoy Barbara’s skills as an organist.
Barbara is a former Assistant Director of the Texas Order of the Confederate Rose, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Military Officers Association, the Republican Women of Upshur County, and the Gilmer Rotary Club. Barbara and her second husband, Mark, together have five children and ten grandchildren.
In a book titled A Remarkable Woman, (the story of Barbara’s life), Congressman Rick Lazio contributed this quote: “Because of Barbara, my office really focused on helping people…serving a higher public purpose. I never remember Barbara asking anything for herself.”