Valor & Honor
With gratitude, we honor all SLUH alumni who have served our country to defend our freedom. May God bless them abundantly and grant eternal rest to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Jim Checkett '59, captain of the soccer team at SLUH, graduated in the top percentile of his class at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he played soccer all four years. During that time, he helped the Navy to one NCAA championship, one NCAA championship runner-up, and an undefeated record against the Army, with no goals allowed.
He continued his service after the Naval Academy as an officer with three tours in Vietnam. He was a Lieutenant in charge of communications on a guided missile cruiser (USS Biddle), a destroyer (USS Bausell), as well as an aircraft carrier (USS Forrestal). Throughout nine years of service in the Navy, Lt. Checkett received the Naval Award Metal as well as numerous Letters of Commendation as an officer for superior leadership and service to our country.
My dad was very loving, intelligent, family oriented, extremely detailed and generous. He was an entertainer who had a big corny sense of humor and told lots of stories.
— Molly Sansone (daughter of Jim Checkett; wife of Doug '89 and mother of DJ '19 and Dominic '25)
Share Your Reflections
Honor & Valor
Do you know a SLUH alumnus who has served our country to defend our freedom? What makes him so special, and what makes you grateful for his service?
Lt. Michael Blassie '66
(1948-1972)
Prior to the identification of his remains, Michael Blassie '66 was the service member buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1998, Blassie was reburied at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.
Always Remembered
We honor the following SLUH alumni who sacrificed their lives valiantly serving our country.