National Officers

Duane Sarmiento was elected 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.

He served in the United States Navy from 1988 to 1997, and the United States Naval Reserve from 2002 to 2006, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Operations Desert Shield/Storm. In recognition of his service, he received the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, among many others. In 2003, he earned the title of the Naval Reserve Center Sailor of the Year at Fort Dix.

Duane joined the VFW in 1990 at Post 5579 in Gibbstown, New Jersey, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. Read his full official biography. 

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, among many others. 

He joined the VFW in 2002 at Post 12002 in North Fulton, Georgia, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. Read his official biography. 

Carol Whitmore was elected Junior 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.

Carol served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 2013, earning her VFW eligibility by serving in Iraq. In recognition of her service, she received the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (six), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, among many others.

She joined the VFW in 2012 at Post 9127 in Des Moines, Iowa, where she maintains her Gold Legacy Life membership. In 2022, she was elected as designee for National VFW Commander-in-Chief for the year 2025, becoming the first woman and first Iowan to hold the position. Read her full official biography. 

Dan West was appointed the Adjutant General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on July 21, 2022, at the 123rd VFW National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Dan served in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 to 1994, serving in Operation Desert Storm. 

He joined the VFW in 1996 at Post 3413 in San Marcos, Texas, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. Read his full bio here.

Marc Garduno was elected Quartermaster General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on March 21, 2022, by special election of the National Council of Administration.

Marc retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years as a chief warrant officer (CW3), human resources technician, and his assignments included several tours in the Republic of Korea, Fort Bragg, and others. During his military career, Marc was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (5), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal and many more.

He joined VFW Post 8180, Seoul, Korea in 2005, and currently maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership at VFW Post 3238, Camden, Delaware. Read his full bio here.