Cole commander to speak in Carson

Navy Cmdr. Kirk Lippold, formerly of the USS Cole, will speak at an Aug. 2 dinner commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Navy League's founding.

The Carson City native was commander of the Cole when it came under attack Oct. 12, 2000.

He is a graduate of Carson High School, Class of 1977, and the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1981. He served aboard the USS Fairfax County, the cruiser USS Yorktown, the destroyer USS Arleigh Burke and the cruiser USS Shiloh before taking over command of the Cole in 1999.

He transferred command of the Cole in spring 2001 to attend the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va. After completing school he was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was in Washington, D.C., when the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon occurred.

Navy League Secretary Betty Brogan said Lippold's mother, Bee Staheli, another Navy League member, notified her Kirk would be back in Carson City.

"She called us and said he was going to be in town," Brogan said.

Carson City Navy League President Ray Alcorn will serve as master of ceremonies for the dinner, to be held at the Pi-on Plaza Hotel. No host cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Seating is limited. Reservations may be made by calling 882-5205.

Please identify a choice of entrZe, New York steak or a combination plate of chicken breast and grilled salmon. To secure a reservation, the cost of $24 per person must be received in advance by mail by Sunday payable and addressed to: Carson City Council NLUS, P. O. Box 4404, Carson City, NV 89702-4404.

The Navy League of the United States is a civilian organization dedicated to informing the American people and their government that the U. S. is a maritime nation and that its national defense and economic well being are dependent upon strong sea services.

IF YOU GO

What: Navy League 100th anniversary dinner

Where: Pi-on Plaza

When: 6 p.m. Aug. 2

Reservations: Send $24 per person by July 28.