Al Stewart Jr., a longtime chairman of the Guilford County Veterans Memorial, passed away on August 15. For years, Al gave his time, energy, leadership, and heart to ensuring that the service and sacrifice of our veterans would never be forgotten.

Al's lifetime of service took him around the world. He served in Vietnam as an Army Ranger with G Company Rangers and later as a gunner on a nighthawk helicopter. His valor was recognized with the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, and Bronze Stars with “V” devices. Decades later, he continued serving his country overseas—as a civilian advisor to the Army in Iraq for four years, with the U.S. Department of State for 15 months helping rebuild the Lebanese Police, and as an Army advisor in Afghanistan for one year.

In June 2025, Al received one of the highest honors of his life when he was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

His service at home was equally extraordinary. Al spent 30 years with the Greensboro Police Department, retiring as a captain, and remained a tireless advocate for veterans throughout his life. As leader of the Black Cap Military Veterans Group, he helped ensure that Memorial Day in Greensboro remained what it should be—a solemn remembrance of those who gave their lives for our nation.

At the Guilford County Veterans Memorial, Al was much more than a chairman. He was a driving force behind our mission and a steadfast guardian of the belief that veterans' stories, sacrifices, and legacies must be preserved for future generations.

We are deeply grateful for Al's leadership, his friendship, and his extraordinary lifetime of service.

Ranger. Soldier. Police officer. International advisor. Veterans advocate. Leader. Friend.

Al Stewart spent his life serving others—on battlefields, in law enforcement, overseas, and here at home. We will honor his memory by continuing the work he cared so deeply about.

Rest easy, Al. Your mission here is complete. You will not be forgotten.