Alfred J. "Al” Lipphardt was elected Senior Vice Commander-inChief 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.