In a letter penned on February 25, 2025, by Lipphardt, the VFW is asking President Donald Trump's Administration to stop cutting federal jobs held by veterans.
(WSIL) -- The National Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Al Lipphardt, says he will testify before a joint session of congressional veterans' affairs committees on March 4, 2025. He plans to speak on behalf of the VFW and all veterans, addressing member's concerns regarding the recent cuts to federal workers, specifically to the nation's veterans. He's also calling on VFW members to "march forth" and fill the hallways of the Capitol. Lipphardt says, he will demand lawmakers "Honor the Contract" the government has already made with veterans.
In a letter penned on February 25, 2025, by Lipphardt, the VFW is asking President Donald Trump's Administration to stop cutting federal jobs held by veterans. Lipphardt says, the federal layoffs are having an impact on the veteran community, including the direct termination of more than 1,400 recently let go from Veterans Affairs. In his letter, Lipphardt states that more than 30% of the federal workforce is made up of veterans. Now, Lipphardt says, they live in fear of losing their jobs. He says this is especially true for employees currently on a probationary basis. Moreover, he says, other federal workers have been employed long-term, serving the American people for years, either in uniform or in civil service. "There are bigger ramifications in firing veterans than just faceless workers being let go. These veterans are now being told their skills are no longer useful to the government," Lipphardt said in his letter. He went on to say, "We're losing people who are genuinely committed to the mission and find a continued sense of purpose in what they do."
Lipphardt, a Vietnam War veteran, says he believes the human element is removed from a very human issue. He also relays his frustration with the way the administration went about letting people go. Lipphardt calls the emails "disjointed and inconsistent across the board," and suggests they were put together by an automated system, leaving messages impersonal and lacking compassion.
You can read the full letter at the .
