Alfred J. "Al” Lipphardt was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on Aug. 1, 2024, at the 125th VFW National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

Al served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1979, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, and from 1970 to 1971. In recognition of his heroic service in combat, he received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star with "V” device, Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service, Purple Heart Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Medal, and the Vietnam Staff Service Medal First Class.

 

He joined the VFW in 2002 at Post 12002 in North Fulton, Georgia, as a Charter member and maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership in VFW Post 2667, Newnan, Georgia, along with his family members who are also VFW Department of Georgia Auxiliary Post 2667 Life members. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels, culminating with his election as the VFW Department of Georgia Commander. Al is a Triple Crown All-American Commander. On the national level, he has served as Vice Chairman of the National Legislative Committee, a member of the National Veterans Service Advisory Committee, a member of the National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, National Council of Administration and numerous other critical National Committees.

 

Al received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Pacific Western University in 1990. He is retired.

 

He is a member of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain, Georgia. A Rotarian since 1984, his distinguished service has been recognized by Rotary International with the Service Above Self Award and the Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service Award. He was elected and served as an officer of Rotary International as District 6900 Governor, from 1999 to 2000, and has chaired critical national and international committees.

 

Al’s lifelong devotion to servant leadership is evidenced by his life membership in the Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, the VFW National Home, Military Order of the Cootie, the 196th Light Infantry Brigade Association, the Americal Division Veterans Association, and the United States Army Officer Candidate School Alumni Association (Hall of Fame inductee).

 

Al and his wife, Carol were married on Feb. 24, 1967, and reside in Stone Mountain, Georgia.