Colonel Israel was commissioned through the ROTC Program at Southwest Missouri State College into the Quartermaster Corps. As was the policy at the time, he was detailed into Artillery. He served as a Platoon Leader of 280mm Atomic Cannon Platoon in Germany. Upon completion of his branch detail, he was assigned to the 35th Quartermaster Battalion and began his long career as a Quartermaster officer.
During his 24 years of service, his assignments took him to Germany, Korea, Okinawa, and Vietnam. He progressed through positions of increasing responsibility. He was a Company Executive Officer, Aide-de-Camp, Company Commander, Chief, Small Purchase Division, Defense Industrial Supply Center, Chief of Stock Control, 2nd Logistics Command, Military Assistance Command-Vietnam Logistics Advisor, Chief, Defense Contract Administration Service Office, Battalion Commander, Deputy Commander, Korean Procurement Agency, Chief, Involuntary Separations, Enlisted Directorate, Military Personnel Center, Acting Chief, Procurement Division Defense Logistics Agency. After retirement, he worked for the National Institute for the Severely Handicapped, progressing from Project Engineer to the Vice President for Operations.
Colonel Israel was known throughout his career as an officer of integrity and kindness. He truly portrays the professional and personal image of a Quartermaster officer.