Commander Kirk Lippold, who led the USS Cole during the devastating terrorist attack in Yemen in 2000, has dedicated his post-military life to advocating for veterans and holding charities accountable. Nearly twenty-five years after the attack that killed seventeen sailors and wounded forty, Lippold now leads Charities for Vets, an organization that grades veteran charities based on how much of their donations go directly to those in need. He urges donors to choose organizations that maximize support for veterans, highlighting inefficiencies and waste in the billion-dollar charity sector.

Lippold also challenges misconceptions about combat veterans, emphasizing resilience over disability and encouraging a more nuanced understanding of trauma. He maintains close ties with his former crew and continues to reflect on the lessons of leadership and sacrifice from that fateful day. Beyond his work with veterans, Lippold remains outspoken about ongoing global threats, warning against complacency in the face of terrorism and international aggression. He calls for accountability and vigilance, drawing on his experiences to advocate for both veterans and national security.