Al Lipphardt
Commander-in-Chief
"Believe in what you do, do what you believe in."
* For the full 2024-25 National membership Program see attachments below or click here
OPERATION: ALL IN
I: SITUATION:
Commander's Introduction:
Alfred J. “Al” Lipphardt was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. 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, among many others.
He joined the VFW in 2002 at Post 12002 in North Fulton, Georgia, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. Al is also a Triple Crown Commander, having been named as an All-American Post Commander in 2006, District Commander in 2010, and Department Commander in 2015.
Membership Mission:
To recruit, retain and mentor a stable membership base including all generations of veterans. To cultivate a membership that is well versed in institutional knowledge and actively involved at all levels of the organization and in the local community. To establish Posts with an established vision of service, leadership, and community outreach.
Specific Membership Numbers:
Our requirement this year is to continue growth and achieve at least 102% in membership. In the simplest of terms, we look at the prior year’s total (which is how many individual members paid membership dues last year) and want to see a 2 percent increase. If a member has been lost due to passing away or not renewing their dues, then that means we must fill that gap in addition to recruiting new members to meet the 102% goal. This should serve as an example to prove that we must maintain our focus on retaining and mentoring our existing members as well as bringing in new members to the organization. Bring in the members we need, keep the members we have.
II: MISSION:
Membership:
- Build a strong organization through recruiting new members while retaining our current membership that creates a solid baseline for the future.
- Work together to achieve the VFW’s goals. The VFW National Headquarters staff is available to assist in coordinating programs, developing membership initiatives and building awareness among our membership and the entire veteran community.
Membership Requirements:
- Achieve 102% in Membership.
- For everyone to recruit at least one new member and then mentor that member.
- Increase membership drives and/or events.
- Develop new Posts and/or revitalize existing Posts.
- Increase Life Membership and Legacy Life Membership
WHO: All VFW Members, including Post, District, Department, and National leadership.
WHAT: To meet the goals of increasing membership through recruiting, retention, and mentorship. To develop a spirit of camaraderie and service to all veterans. To strengthen the Veterans of Foreign Wars through a solid membership base.
WHERE: Across the globe with Posts in all 50 states and in overseas countries and territories.
WHEN: Beginning on July 1st, 2024 and continuing through the end of the membership year on June 30th, 2025.
WHY: To serve our comrades and their families, to remember and honor those who have come before us, and to live the words of our motto, that NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS.
See the full membership program
 VFW National Membership Program 2024-2025 - Updated 8.26.2024.pdf | [ ] | 3557 kB |