Rick Mantei hosts 101st birthday celebration for WWII veteran Bruce Cook

Rick and Lisa Mantei marked World War II veteran Bruce Cook’s 101st birthday with a surprise celebration in Lexington, South Carolina, on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The event highlighted Cook’s 35 combat missions over France, his French Legion of Honor recognition and the continued public interest in honoring living World War II veterans.

Why it matters: - Bruce Cook’s 101st birthday celebration put a living World War II veteran’s service and longevity in the spotlight. - The gathering highlighted continued recognition for veterans whose wartime records still carry public and international significance. - Cook’s story also reflects how private celebrations can help preserve personal and historical memory.

What happened: - Rick Mantei hosted a birthday celebration for Bruce Cook on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Lexington, South Carolina. - Rick and Lisa Mantei surprised Cook with cake, balloons, handwritten birthday cards and original newspapers from 1925. - ABC Columbia attended the celebration and covered Cook’s milestone birthday. - Rick first met Cook at a World War II veterans event, and the two have remained close friends.

The details: - Cook is a retired Staff Sergeant and World War II ball-turret gunner. - Cook completed 35 combat missions over France during the war. - Earlier in 2026, Cook was named a Knight of the French Legion of Honor. - The French award recognized Cook’s service during World War II. - The 1925 newspapers gave Cook a look at the year he was born. - Rick Mantei is a combat veteran, pilot and longtime supporter of veterans and community-focused causes. - Rick’s philanthropic work has focused on honoring veterans, supporting families in need and creating meaningful community experiences. - More information is available at Rick Mantei’s website.

Between the lines: - The celebration blended personal friendship with public recognition, giving Cook a tribute that was both intimate and historically symbolic. - The French Legion of Honor and the birthday milestone together reinforced Cook’s standing as part of a generation whose wartime service still resonates. - The event also shows how veteran recognition now extends beyond formal ceremonies into community-driven celebrations.

What's next: - Cook’s 101st birthday celebration adds another chapter to a life already marked by military service and international recognition. - Rick Mantei’s veterans-focused philanthropy is likely to continue creating similar moments of recognition and support. - Coverage from local media like ABC Columbia can help keep Cook’s story visible to a broader audience.