Alfred J. "Al” Lipphardt was elected Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 21, 2022, at the 123rd VFW National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

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 service, he received the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star with Valor device, Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service 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, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. 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 from 2014 to 2015, in which he achieved Triple Crown All-American Commander status. On the national level, he has served on the Legislative Committee, the National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Council of Administration.

 

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

 

He is a member of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain, Georgia, American Legion, and life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, the VFW National Home for Children, the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, and an inductee to the United States Army Officer Candidate School Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

 

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