A NewLeafFor A Veterans Organization (NAPSA)—The 72nd national convention of the Military Order of the Purple Heart witnessed a changingof the guard. Colonel Robert N. “Bob” Lichtenberger, U.S. Army (Retired), was elected National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) at the convention held recently in Atlanta, Ga. A native Texan who resides in Austin, Colonel and Mrs. Lichten- berger are the parents of five children, two of whom live in Texas, one in Kansas City, another in Phoenix and the last in the Washington, D.C. area. Although it may not be apparent from his name, heis thefirst member of the Order of Hispanic heritage to attain this highly coveted post. “We exist to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in combat and those who were wounded and shed their blood on the world’s battlefields. We are the only veterans’ organization whose members are combat wounded,” the new leader said. “That stands us apart from the rest. We are the cream of the crop.” Although small in number, with only 38,000 members, the MOPHis completely service oriented and provides support for all veterans. The MOPHService program leads the nation in providing assistance to veterans. “Most people don’t even know we exist. We are going to change that with a national public rela- tions campaign, the likes of which A new commander has been named for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. has never been witnessed,” said COL Lichtenberger. “We need to tell our story so veterans can find us and use our services.” Colonel Lichtenberger dedicated the preponderance of his career to service with troops. He commanded four company-level units and two Field Artillery battalions. His awards and decorations include two Bronze Stars, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and seven awards of the Air Medal, including one for heroism in aerial combat. He also received the Army Commendation medal for heroism in ground combat in Vietnam. Lichtenberger is totally bilingual in Spanish and English and has translated for every Spanishspeaking country in the world. His current business focus is as a mortgage consultant to the Hispanic community in Austin, Texas.
