Growing up in the oil fields, Witzel served in the U.S. Air Force as a navigator and was a volunteer in the Iranian Rescue Attempt in 1980. Selected and served as Director of the Strategic Air Command Airborne Command Post, Witzel retired after 22 years of service. Following the service, he served as an accountant at a national bank and was subsequently asked to return to the military as a defense contractor/consultant. Currently, Witzel is serving his 12th year as a School Board Director and YMCA Board Member.