Sheridan's Chapter 1st Cavalry Division

01/06/2025

Italian American Veterans Museum and Library



I wanted to drop you a note regarding the current status of the Italian American Veterans Museum and Library at Casa Italia in Stone Park, Illinois. If you have been keeping up with our website www.iavmuseum.org you have seen the piece below, entitled “The Italian American Veterans Museum is on the march!” The entire 17-acre Casa Italia Complex was purchased by The Village of Stone Park. The building we occupied for almost 20 years has been slated for demolition and we were forced to vacate the premises.



Presently we have narrowed our search for a new home to a couple of locations. Both are in the Chicago Metro area, and we are assessing which location will best suit our needs, not only for the present, but for the future growth of our museum. All memorabilia and militaria which were a part of our museum have been boxed, securely packed, and placed in secure storage. Of course, once we have a new location, and it has been made ready for occupancy, those items will again be displayed and incorporated into new and more comprehensive exhibits! We are excited about the opportunities a new location will present to our museum!



Should you have questions or concerns over memorabilia you have donated or have on loan to the museum, please do not hesitate to call on Paul Basil at 847-648-1158 or email him at [email protected] Paul can provide details on how these items are being stored, the security we have in place, etc.



PLEASE BE ADVISED, OUR INTENT IS TO REOPEN THE ITALIAN AMERICAN VETERANS MUSEUM AND LIBRARY IN A NEW, BIGGER, AND EVEN BETTER FACILITY THAN THE ONE WE HAVE ENJOYED FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS.



Best Regards and Thank You for your support!

Steve Corbo

Curator

Italian American Veterans Museum and Library



PS: One of your members loaned us a Model of a LOACH as flown in Viet Nam by Lt. Col. Hugh Mills (USA Ret) and a book on the LOACH. Unfortunately, in transit, his name was misplaced. If he would like that helicopter model and book returned, please contact Paul Basil. However, we will be happy to keep it in our possession properly stored and secured until such time as we reopen our museum.

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01/06/2025

DEC. 16TH
Well here's an update on Vern Croffoot's open heart surgery he went in at 7:00 this morning and just got done.They ran into some problems the pigst valve they were using was leaking had to redo that and a couple other things and so he will be going into intensive care. Since he was on the heart pump for so long you're kind of worried about blood clots etc so they will be keeping a close eye on him. Please keep him in your Prayers.
2
Update on Vern Croffoot , they have taken the breathing tube out, he said he's in a lot of pain but he is aware answering questions and everything they may get him up this afternoon to get him to walk around some. Will update again when we hear more.
All reactions:
4
I have an update on Vern Croffoot, talked to his son Craig. night before last, he went into A-fib. They got his heart back in rhythm, and treated him with Meds. Today he is doing better. They have had him out of bed a few times, and took him for x-rays They have him doing breathing exercises to get his lungs performing better. He still doesn't talk a lot, and doses off when he does. They plan on getting him up walking today, have him in a wheelchair right now. Dr says he will be in ICU for sure yet today and may move him out of ICU this week-end as long as he doesn't have any set backs. Continued Prayers needed, thank you.
5
Update on Vern Croffoot.
Vern called me today, didn't talk long. He sounded very weak, but doing better. He said they had him up walking around a couple of times. I will let everyone know when I hear anything more.
6 Vern called me this morning, he sounded so much better. They have had him up walking quite a bit, He is still in I.C.U., and hooked to E.K.G., trying to get everything back in sync. Trying to figure out what the will be doing for rehab, More to come.
7Update on Vern Croffoot.
Just heard from Vern's son Craig. He said they have been having trouble with keeping Vern regulated. His heartbeat and blood pressure have been randomly dropping. There putting in a temporary pacemaker in right now. Hopefully this will fix the problem. Prayers.
8 Dec.22nd
Update on Vern Croffoot.
Just heard from Vern's son Craig. Vern will be getting a permanent Pacemaker tomorrow.
9 same day,
Just heard from Vern don't know now if he's going to get the pacemaker or not one doctor says yes one doctor says no so it's in limbo for right now I will update you when I have info thank you.
10Dec.23
Update on Vern.
Just heard from Vern, there will be no pacemaker at this time. Dr. says he is doing better. So that is good news
11Dec. 26
Update on Vern Croffoot, Vern called yesterday to say they took him out of ICU. Now they are working on getting him into rehab. Not sure where or when.

12Dec 27. Update on Vern Croffoot, Vern called tonight, he said he will be leaving Madison hospital at 9AM for Rockford. He will be at Alden Park Strathmoor Rehabilitation Center 5668 Strathmoor Dr, Rockford, IL 61107.
13.. Dec.28.
Vern Croffoot, latest update,
He is at Alden Park Strathmoor Rehabilitation Center Room A24. 5668 Strathmoor Dr, Rockford, IL 61107
14 .Jan. 4th Went to see Vern today, doing some better. He was back in Madison for follow up. They took his stitches out. They also said he has some fluid on his lungs, if it doesn't drain. they may have to use a needle to drain it. He said they are still taking about a pace maker. He may be going back to Madison to the VA for rehab, so a lot of things are up in the air. But he is in good spirits, except for the diet of pureed food he is on. I may have to sneak in a burger. LOL.
The place he is in now is not a rehab center but a nursing home. Don't know why they sent him there. His room is a corner room so 2wo sides facing outside, and the heat isn't working right. his room mate and him both covered in 2-3 blankets, and as you can see, he is wearing a flannel shirt, and a hoodie. He asked for another room, but was told there are none available. The first day there he said he pushed the button for help needing a bed pan. and hr later they came and changed him. hard to get anything out of them. He used the bedpan yesterday and asked to have it empty. They said oh you can use it more than once. We are trying to contact the VA but hard to get anything done on a week-end. I have a friend who is a hospice nurse, she said we should contact the ombudsman for the facility. We have some other avenues to look into.
First pic taken right after surgery, the other two, yesterday.

01/04/2025

To all Chapter members, here is a reminder of the 2025 Meeting dates:
March 8, May 10, 9 August (picnic), 11 October, and 6 December (Christmas party).
All meetings, at this time , are held at the Roselle American Legion, 344 East Maple Ave., Roselle, IL and begin at 1:00 PM.

Send a message to learn more

12/22/2024

10/28/2024

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" Allen J. Lynch, enjoy your special day Brother.

09/11/2024

https://www.facebook.com/VietNowFreeport/videos/1420001614687156

09/10/2024

https://youtu.be/mwcWVs4Eejg

Alan Jackson’s performance of "Where Were You" (When The World Stopped Turning) live from CMA Awards 2001.Listen to Alan Jackson’s latest album “Where Have Y...

07/19/2024

Please contact Brian Lynch @ 262-818-3349 or email Brian at [email protected] for your tribute to Paul Brian
Hello Friends,
Thank you for the overwhelming outpouring of support after the unexpected passing of my Dad. So many are still asking about plans for a memorial service. I ultimately decided to hold services privately for the peace and health of my daughter, Paul’s only grandchild and the apple of his eye, who has lost 3 of her 4 grandparents over the past 18 months. Her wellbeing would be his first priority.
I know so many of you would have jumped on planes, stayed in hotels, rented cars, and given of your precious time to pay respects. Instead, I ask that you take a portion of those expenses and do what Dad would want most. Please support the next upcoming event of the Lynch Foundation to raise funds supporting numerous worthy veterans needs thru Dad’s passionate philanthropic work. The upcoming Swingin’ For The Vets golf outing needs everyone representing Paul Brian. Buy a foursome, sponsor a hole, make a donation. And please share this request with everyone you know who would want to pay their respects as well. This- along with a microphone and some hilarious & slightly blue story telling- is the exact memorial service Paul Brian would love.
With gratitude to you all,
Lesley and Quinn

06/25/2024

https://www.wlsam.com/2024/06/12/paul-brian-1951-2024/

(CHICAGO) -- Former longtime host of 'Drive Chicago,' Paul Brian, has died. According to a social media post by his daughter, Paul passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Tuesday night. "It is with a very heavy heart that that I share my father, Paul Brian, passed away peacefully this eve

06/25/2024

https://chicago.suntimes.com/obituaries/2024/06/16/paul-brian-radio-host-drive-chicago-obit

Mr. Brian knew everything about cars — except how to fix them.

06/25/2024

https://northamericancaroftheyear.org/nactoy-mourns-death-of-paul-brian/

Former NACTOY juror Paul Brian passed away this week. Juror Lauren Fix offers the following memorial, and NACTOY will make a $1,000 donation in his honor.

06/12/2024

Paul Brian (Paul Brian Warhanik) - 1951 -2024
The world is a much quieter place tonight. It is with a very heavy heart that that I share my father, Paul Brian, passed away peacefully this evening at home with myself, Quinn, and his wonderful girlfriend Pam at his side. We hope God gives him a garage with endless cars.
Everywhere Dad went he made friends and left an impact. Never met a stranger. I could write you an endless dissertation about his career, accomplishments, amazing and incredibly unique adventures, and dedication to veterans philanthropy. But plenty of journalism outlets and people from his professional network will share those stories so much better than myself. Please seek them out, it’s an impressive life story.
The most meaningful thing I can share is what I will miss most. And that is our shared sense of humor, part of our DNA. Always snarky, peppered with Mel Brooks movie jokes, cooking ridiculous recipes, and being stopped all the time by random people asking if he was Donald Sutherland.
Cars, journalism, world travel, an insatiable foodie, so many loves and passions. But none more than me and my daughter, his granddaughter Quinn. He doted on her. He never stopped talking about his pride in her. Endless friends of his that I’ve never met knew everything about us girls. I’m glad we made him so happy and proud.
Dad was a proud veteran of the US Army, serving as the Director of Communications for the Armed Forces Radio and Television network while stationed in the Panama Canal Zone during Viet Nam in the early 1970s. His love and devotion to the Army lived long after his service to our country. He spent decades serving veterans through philanthropic work and served as a founding member of the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Board of Directors.
Paul would do anything to help another veteran. In lieu of flowers, Paul wished for donations be given to the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation in his name. This was another of his passions, to help other soldiers who sacrificed so much.
Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation provides grants to those who are engaged in providing educational programs, PTSD and direct assistance to veterans.
Allen J Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation (501(3) organization)�6615 Grand Ave Ste B PMB 415�Gurnee IL 60031
www.ajlynchfoundation.org
Before we started his end of life process, we made a promise to each other. And that was the very last thing we would give up was our humor. We laughed until we couldn’t laugh any longer. We kept the promise.
Send me a sign Dad. We all want to know what car you picked to drive through the gates into the beyond.

06/05/2024

Greetings Troopers,



Our VP Bruce Peterson has asked that the following information be sent to our members:
One of our members, Paul Brian, had serious back surgery recently and continues to have significant recovery challenges. Paul is at his condo in Bloomingdale and is being cared for primarily by his daughter, Lesley, and girlfriend, Pam. Medical professionals are also involved at the quarters, but not yet on a 24/7 basis.

We are seeking volunteers to spend a few hours or up to an overnight stay to simply relieve the gals of some of the burden they are currently bearing alone. There would be no medical services required nor personal hygiene assistance. Someone is needed to lend Paul a hand as he tries to move about the unit to get to and from the latrine.
Call me with ques
tions, even though I do not have all the answers.

Bruce Peterson, 630-391-3920