[September 17, 2009]

Activist remembered for his work against tobacco [McAlester News-Capital, Okla.]

(McAlester News-Capital (OK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sep. 17--He wanted to make a difference.

Those who knew him -- and many who met him for only a short time -- say he did.

For years, Jack Vogle spoke to students, not only in McAlester but across Oklahoma and even into Arkansas, about the dangers of smoking cigarettes and using tobacco.

"He wanted to prevent the young people from smoking, so what happened to him wouldn't happen to them," said Vogle's wife, Fredonia Vogle.

Jack Vogle died Sunday at his home following a long battle with cancer. Funeral services were set for 2 p.m. today at Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home in McAlester He is being remembered by many as a hometown hero who overcame his nervousness about public speaking to address thousands of students -- all the time speaking with an electronic larynx.

In 1989, Jack Vogle had an operation after he was stricken with throat cancer.

"They removed his voice box and the back of his tongue," Fredonia Vogle said. After that, when Jack Vogle spoke, he used an electronic larynx, a device that let him speak with an electronic voice.

Vogle already had experienced a brilliant career in the fields of film, video and advertising. An experienced communicator and a Naval veteran, he wanted to help others.

Although his voice no longer sounded the same, it hadn't been stilled.

Jack Vogle embarked on his path of working with students after Fredonia Vogle saw a notice that the Pittsburg County Health Department would be holding a meeting to hopefully start some smoking cessation programs.

He wanted to help.

"It started from that," Fredonia Vogle said.

From those beginnings, Vogle started on his journey to try and convince young people to avoid tobacco use. Standing before groups of students, Vogle told his story time and time again.

"We spoke to more than 9,000 students in Oklahoma and Western Arkansas," recalled Fredonia Vogle, who accompanied her husband to the programs and participated in them as well.

"He said if he kept one child from smoking, it would all be worthwhile." Some of those who worked with Vogle believe he didn't realize just how worthwhile those efforts were.

"Jack really stood up against the ill effects of tobacco," said Pittsburg County Health Department Administrator Mike Echelle.

"He spoke to children over the past 10 years all over Pittsburg County.

"Jack was a champion for public health. He did a lot to educate children about the ill effects of tobacco.

"He will be missed." Tammy Randazzo worked with Jack and Fredonia Vogle for a number of years through the Pittsburg County Health Department.

"He definitely touched many lives," Randazzo said, recalling his bravery not only in his military background, but in speaking about his personal experiences.

"He did it any time he was asked," Randazzo said.

"In my work with tobacco cessation in this area, Jack was probably the biggest advocate in Pittsburg County I ever worked with." Caroline Echelle is the Community Manager in McAlester for the American Cancer Society.

"Jack was one of those who wanted to make a difference -- and he really did," she said.

"He was out of his comfort zone when he spoke to large groups, but the audience wasn't aware of that.

"He had a huge impact on children. We saw a significant reduction in tobacco use related to what Jack would do in Pittsburg County.

"We all loved Jack. He was a true gentleman. I don't think he realized the impact he had." Robyne Lindley is coordinator for the tobacco prevention program at the Pittsburg County Health Department and coordinator for the Southeast Tobacco Free Oklahoma Coalition.

"Jack and Fredonia both have been valiant partners for our coalition," she said, noting they are the current co-chairs of the coalition.

Lindley remembers Jack Vogle as a person who experienced a difficult and life-threatening situation but who talked openly about it to try and keep children from using tobacco.

"He was honest with them," Lindley said. "He was a youngster when he started.

"I remember the looks on the kids' faces when he would talk to them. He never wanted the kids to be in the situation he was in. That's why he did it.

"I think Jack was a hero to a lot of kids," said Lindley.

"He was a hero to me." Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.

To see more of the McAlester News-Capital or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.mcalesternews.com/.

Copyright (c) 2009, McAlester News-Capital, Okla.

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