Fountain Hills VFW Post 7507 gained a new member recently as Richard Hippner, a Marine Vietnam veteran, was sworn in and presented with the Cross of Malta in the traditional VFW ceremony at the Post’s home at 9624 N. Monterey Dr.

After leaving the Marine Corps as a captain, Hippner became a U.S. Army National Guard officer, from which he retired as a major with over 20 years of service. When not providing military service, Hippner flew commercially for Trans World Airlines (TWA).

All members of the VFW have served overseas in an active combat zone and received honorable discharges from the Armed Forces upon completion of their service. The Armed Forces include the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy and Space Force. VFW Post 7507 has members from all the services except the newly formed Space Force.