Rear Adm. Voelker is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and attended the U.S. Naval Academy graduating in June of 1972. Following graduation and commissioning, Voelker attended the Naval Postgraduate School, receiving a Master of Science degree in 1973. He then attended nuclear power and submarine training. He is also an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Program.

At sea, he served on four attack submarines, including USS Sturgeon (SSN 637); engineer officer on USS Seahorse (SSN 669); executive officer on USS San Francisco (SSN 711), and in command of USS Helena (SSN 725). While in command, he conducted a Western Pacific deployment and two independent submarine operations in the Northern Pacific. He later commanded Submarine Group Seven with additional duties as Commander of Task Forces 74 and 54.

Ashore assignments included duty as a detailer in the Bureau of Naval Personnel; division director in the Office of Naval Intelligence; and executive assistant and senior military aide to multiple flag and general officers including the Deputy Commander of the Pacific Fleet, Director for Resources and Requirements (J-8) on the Joint Staff, and finally for the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As a flag officer, he commanded Submarine Group Nine, responsible for all of U.S. Pacific Fleet's ballistic missile submarines. His final assignment was command of Navy Recruiting Command, leading the efforts of nearly 7,000 Sailors, officers, and civilians to achieve the Navy's officer and enlisted accession requirements. He retired in November 2003.

Voelker was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal as well as numerous unit and campaign awards.

Following retirement, Voelker was an executive for two global consulting firms and later served as the President of the Flag and General Officers' Network, a national 501(c)19 war veterans' organization of more than 2,000 active & retired admirals and generals.

Last Updated: 19 October 2023