Marine Veteran and Former Iran Hostage Rocky Sickmann Shares Faith and Freedom Message at Veterans Day Service

O’FALLON, Mo. – Nov. 7 – U.S. Marine Corps veteran Rodney “Rocky” Sickmann, a former hostage in the Iran Hostage Crisis, delivered an emotional address at a Veterans Day prayer service at Assumption School in O’Fallon, Missouri. Sickmann, who was seized at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Nov. 4, 1979, reflected on his 444 days in captivity and the role of faith, family, and country in his survival and service.

The Assumption parishioner and grandfather spoke before students, staff, and veterans, highlighting the meaning of freedom and honoring those who died during a failed rescue attempt in 1980.

Veteran Recounts Captivity During Iran Hostage Crisis

Sickmann, then a Marine staff sergeant working as a guard in Tehran, was among 66 American hostages taken by Iranian revolutionaries. While 14 hostages were released weeks later, he was one of the 52 captives held until late January 1981.

Raised in nearby Krakow with four siblings, Sickmann said his parents and parish life at St. Gertrude Parish instilled in him faith and patriotism. Before he left for Marine Corps boot camp, his mother told him, “Make sure you pray, because someday you’re going to need that.” During captivity, he was permitted only seven minutes of time outdoors over 14 months.

Speaking to students about the value of liberty, he asked: “What does freedom mean to you?” and “How many of you like to play outside?” Many hands went up, reinforcing the message that freedom can be easily taken for granted.

Coming Home After 444 Days

On Thanksgiving 1979, Sickmann said he was tied to a chair, focusing on memories of family meals as he prayed to survive to another holiday at home. Upon release in late January 1981, he remembered the crunch of snow beneath his feet as he walked blindfolded to the plane that would take him out of Iran. After a stop in Germany, he landed in St. Louis on Jan. 28, 1981, where more than 4,000 Americans greeted him.

Back home, the community had rallied throughout his captivity. His hometown parish held special Masses and Sunday rosaries, and on the day of his release, churches rang bells at noon. The St. Louis Cathedral hosted a Mass of thanksgiving, and after President Jimmy Carter announced the release deal, Father Bernard Wilkins led a Mass at the Sickmann family home.

Honoring Service and the Fallen

Cut off from news while captive, Sickmann later learned about the eight U.S. service members who died during a spring 1980 rescue attempt by a Joint Operations Group.

“I can tell you, every morning I wake up and I think of these veterans that gave their life trying to regain my freedom,” he said.

After returning, he reunited with his girlfriend, Jill; the couple married months later and recently marked 44 years of marriage. Sickmann later built a long career at Anheuser-Busch and now supports Folds of Honor, a nonprofit providing scholarships to children of deceased or disabled veterans and EMTs.

Encouraging veterans to share their experiences and students to engage with them, he added:

“They have to share their story with all the children, so they hear what they have done to help provide us the freedom that we enjoy each and every day, including freedom of religion,” he said. “So, I’m honored to be here to be able to do that, especially with my grandchildren. I never thought, 46 years ago when I was taken hostage, fast forward, I would be sitting here speaking to my grandchildren in a grade school. It’s pretty powerful.”

Family Reflections on Veterans Day

His daughter, Chelsea Frese, who first learned of her father’s ordeal in second grade, said the experience shaped how their family observes Veterans Day.

“Love of country and love of God always went hand-in-hand in our household growing up,” Frese said.

She said her father has consistently emphasized perspective and faith:

“You think you’re having a bad day and call him, and he reminds you right away that, you know, what you’re experiencing today is nothing like having three guns to your head,” she said. “So, he’s always reminded us to be true in our faith and trust in God.”

His grandchildren also shared their views. Woodson called his grandfather “a really big deal.” Granddaughter Rooney urged people to thank veterans: “They help protect the world and help keep us safe,” she said.

Key Facts and Context

• Nov. 4, 1979: Sickmann captured at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran; among 66 American hostages.
• Seven minutes outdoors permitted during his 444 days in captivity.
• Jan. 28, 1981: Returned to St. Louis; welcomed by more than 4,000 people.
• Eight U.S. service members died in a 1980 rescue attempt.
• Now advocates for Folds of Honor and encourages veteran storytelling and youth engagement.

Conclusion: Faith, Freedom, and Continuing Service

At Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Rocky Sickmann’s message tied together faith, freedom, and remembrance ahead of Veterans Day. His account of the Iran Hostage Crisis, his gratitude for fallen service members, and his ongoing work with Folds of Honor underscored a central theme: honoring veterans by listening to their stories and recognizing the cost of liberty.