InTucker Magazine
November 2024
Tucker Resident Al Lipphardt Named VFW Commander-in-Chief
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.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was born out of a need to advocate for rights and benefits for veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection in the late 1800s. In the 125 years since inception the VFW has advocated for countless measures including the establishment of the Veterans Administration, compensation for veterans of Vietnam and the Gulf War and the expansion of the GI Bill. Their Mission and Vision define their purpose and what the seek to accomplish through their advocacy and memorial efforts.
Al, a resident of Tucker, 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 American Division Veterans Association, and the United States Army Officer Candidate School Alumni Association (Hall of Fame inductee).
It is easy to see why Al was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Through his lifelong dedication to his country and those that served alongside him, Al is a proven leader that Tucker can be proud of.
Rebuilding the American Legion
The American Legion is a national organization with posts throughout the country to serve local veterans and provide resources and camaraderie. Tucker’s Post 207 tragically burned to the ground a few years ago and they are in the midst of a capital drive to rebuild the post that has served both local and visiting veterans since 1957.
Veterans Day 5K
Members, volunteers and supporters of Post 207 are hosting a fundraising 5K walk/run on November 9 at 8 a.m.
You can visit their website for more information and registration details, americanlegionpost207.org.
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day – What’s the Difference?
Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – living and dead – whether in wartime or peace. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who serve have sacrificed and done their duty.
While Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day, the two observances serve different purposes and have different histories. Memorial Day, which has its roots in the post-Civil War effort to “memorialize” all those who died in that war, has become a modern holiday to remember those from all wars and conflicts who gave their lives in service to the country. In December 2000 the U.S. Congress passed and the President signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act” to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.
Veterans Day, however, was first known as Armistice Day as a celebration of the resolution of World War I, a peace recognized historically on the date and time of that event, November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m., and salutes surviving service members as well as those who have passed away since their service.
Content from the Veterans Day 2024 Teachers Resource Guide