Alfred J. "Al” Lipphardt was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 27, 2023, at the
124th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
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,
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 as vice chairman, 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. A
Rotarian since 1984, his 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 to
serve as an officer of Rotary International as District Governor, from
1999 to 2000, and has chaired, as well as served, on critical national
and international committees. He is a life member of the Disabled
American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, the VFW National
Home, Military Order of the Cootie, the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, an
inductee to the United States Army Officer Candidate School Alumni
Association Hall of Fame, and a member of the American Legion.
Al and his wife, Carol were married on Feb. 24, 1967, and reside in Stone Mountain, Georgia.