The Aiken Republican Club will host the chairman of American Defense International, Inc. at its May luncheon meeting.
Van Hipp, also the author of the recently released book, "The New Terrorism: How to Fight it and Defeat it," and former chair of the S.C. Republican Party, will speak to the club on May 26 at Newberry Hall located at 117 Newberry St.
"Van speaking to the Club is very timely," said Tony Coffaro, president of the Club. "Most recently the thwarted attempt by ISIS at a Freedom of Speech event in Garland, Texas points to our lack of border security not only in the South, but in the Northern Border where they can enter from Canada. Cyber War, Red Tape that imperils our National Security and our missing Homeland Missile Defense."
Hipp was appointed as the deputy assistant secretary of the Army Reserve Forces and Mobilization 1990, according to a press release.
Former secretary of Defense Dick Cheney also named Hipp, a U.S. Army veteran, as principal deputy general counsel of the Navy.
From 1986 to 1989, Hipp served as the Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, and was a member of the Presidential Electoral College in 1988, according to the press release.
The cost of the luncheon for members is $17 and $22 for non-members and includes lunch.
Registration and social time will begin at 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Lunch, which is included in the fee, will be served at 11:55 a.m. Hipp will hold a book signing at the end of the meeting.
Reservations will be accepted until 4 p.m. May 23, and cancellations must be received by noon May 22. Payment will be expected for any reservations not canceled by the deadline.
Contact Nancy Boykin at arc29803@atlanticbb.net or 803-642-9668 to make a reservation.