ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Athletic Club and Rotary Club of St. Louis are partnering to host its annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Thursday, Nov. 7. Rocky Sickmann, who was taken hostage and held for 444 days when the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was overrun by militants, will receive the Veteran of the Year Award.
Bob Gassoff, who left his hockey career to become an active-duty Navy SEAL following the Sept. 11 attacks, will receive the Veteran of Achievement Award. Gassoff is now a reserve SEAL with over 21 years of service.
Larry Lock, who served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 achieving the rank of E-5 Sergeant, will also receive Veteran of Achievement recognition. Lock served the 1st Infantry during the Vietnam War earning several honors including the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star.
Bill Sei, who joined the Navy in 1966 and was stationed at NAAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida, will receive the Lifetime Dedication Award. He served as an aviation storekeeper aboard the USS Forrestal until 1969, and following his military service worked at A.G. Edwards as a bond trader.
The luncheon will be held at the Missouri Athletic Club in Downtown St. Louis (405 Washington Ave.). The event begins with a reception and military exhibits at 11:15 a.m., followed by lunch and the program at noon. Admission is $35 per person and the luncheon is open to the public. For reservations, call 314-539-4470.