On August 21, 2024, Post Commander Gerald Decker received an honorary appointment as Aide-de-Camp to the National VFW Commander-in-Chief Al Lipphardt. North Carolina Department Commander Anne Cummings nominated Commander Decker in recognition of his outstanding efforts in helping veterans.

“This recognition is a product of the hard work of the small band of brothers (and sisters) in the Leland Veterans of Foreign Wars who make things happen,” says Decker.

Decker is a Navy veteran who earned eligibility with the VFW by serving four tours to Vietnam between 1968 and 1971. Petty Officer 2nd Class Decker served as a Quartermaster aboard the USS Merrick (LKA—97) and the USS Point Defiance (LSD-31). For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with the device, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a Palm ribbon.

Commander Decker  founded  VFW Post 12196 in January 2020. He has also been instrumental in establishing the Post Auxiliary under the leadership of Brandi Hinshaw. After three consecutive years of earning All-State and All-American honors, Post 12196 is now working to develop a Veterans Creative Arts Program (VCAP) for veterans and first responders who experience the effects of post-traumatic stress. The VCAP is just one of several programs for assisting veterans in which the Post participates.

More information on membership in Post 12196 or the Auxiliary and the assistance it offers veterans can be obtained by calling 910 408 1934, visiting www.facebook.com/Leland-VFW -Post12196, or visiting https//vfw12196.org.