George Vogel ‘58, alumni of Bryan College, was named the 2015 recipient of the Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Health’s Award for Excellence in Chaplaincy, The Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I congratulate Chaplain Vogel for the lifetime of spiritual and pastoral care he has provided to servicemembers and veterans,” said Michael McCoy, associate director of the National Chaplain Center, Veterans Health Administration in a statement. “His accomplishments reflect credit upon himself, VA Chaplain Service, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Criteria for the prestigious award includes more than 20 years of Department of Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy service and demonstrated sense of leadership qualities including organizational stewardship, customer service, interpersonal skills, and more.
Dr. Vogel graduated from Bryan College in 1958 with a degree in Bible. He later went on to earn his master’s of divinity and doctorate of ministry at Talbot Seminary, which is now a graduate school of BIOLA University in La Mirada, Calif.
“In addition to the caring faculty and staff at Bryan College, the beauty of the countryside will always remain with me,” Dr. Vogel said. “I’ve enjoyed the times I’ve been able to return to campus and see the amazing students carrying out the school’s motto.”
Dr. Vogel’s career as a chaplain spans more than 50 years of service to military service members, veterans, and their families. He began his military career as a seaman recruit in the Navy and retired as an Army Brigadier General. Dr. Vogel has served with distinction as a chaplain in the Department of Veterans Affairs since 1987 and served as the chief chaplain for the VA Healthcare System for the past 26 years in Long Beach, Calif.
“His faithfulness to our God and love of ministry through the years has impacted thousands of veterans and law enforcement men and women,” said Dr. Stephen Livesay, president of Bryan College. “He is a true servant of Christ who is making a difference in our world today.”