Van Hipp, chairman of American Defense International, Inc., contributes opinion pieces to the news organization NEWSMAX. In a March 2023 opinion piece, Van Hipp supported former New York Governor George Pataki to lead the delegation for the Ukraine relief effort.

The opinion piece cited the former governor’s accomplishments and contributions, making him fit for the job. Pataki has demonstrated his ability to reach out to faith-based and non-faith-based organizations to help get supplies to the Ukrainian people.

Two weeks after the invasion, Pataki led the effort to provide humanitarian relief. He worked with the Knights of Malta to organize the logistics of transporting supplies around the war-torn country. With Ambassador Earle Mack, they provided heaters to help 100,000 Ukrainians for the winter.

The Ukraine relief effort is not the first time Pataki led during a crisis. On September 11, Pataki set up a command center for first responders, helping to restore NYC in the days and years following the terrorist attack.

Pataki’s diligence in helping Ukraine earned him a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.