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 Sheridan's Cavalry Chapter
http://www.sheridansfirstcav.com/

Chapter Officers

President - Mason Holmes - 15 ADMIN
  456 Raintree Ct., #2-A, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6713
  (630) 835-6486 masonholmes2003@yahoo.com
Vice President - Bruce Peterson - C 227 AVN
Secretary - Allen Lynch - D 1-12 CAV
Treasurer - Richard O'Brien, D 2-8 CAV
  200 Caroline, Elmhurst, IL 60126-2905
  (630) 941-8727 richardobrien@msn.com  
Public Relations - Joe LaPorte - SVC 6-14 FA

The Chapter

The Sheridan's Cavalry Chapter was re-chartered in 2003.  This Chapter was originally chartered as the Chicago Metro Chapter in 1998 and was renamed when the Chapter was re-chartered.

Meetings are conducted quarterly.  Contact us for information on the meeting locations and times or visit our web page http://www.sheridansfirstcav.com/ and click on the Events link.  Chapter membership form.

Chapter report for 2010

It has been a busy as well as exciting year for the members of the Sheridan’s Cavalry Chapter.  There have been quarterly meetings, a summer picnic, the Christmas party, two outings to different Veterans Administration hospitals for bingo and pizza and the concert in July at Cantigny Park (1st Infantry Division) in Wheaton, Illinois.  The concert is produced by the massive efforts of Operation Support our Troops – Illinois (www.osotil.com) and is a huge factor in the morale and support of deployed service members around the world with focus being Iraq and Afghanistan, of course.  In addition to regular “care packages” OSOTIL also mails Christmas stockings to the troops, this year in excess of 6,000.  Members of Sheridan’s Cavalry did some “grunt manual labor” in support of the stockings operation as well as some “lifting and toting” at the organization’s warehouse in October.  The OSOTIL website always has the weather report for Iraq and Afghanistan on its main page so you can easily understand the current level of discomfort the troops are enduring and accomplishing the mission despite it. 

Sheridan’s Cavalry had the honor of being a band sponsor for the concert in July featuring the Lt Dan Band starring Gary Sinise of “Forrest Gump” and “CSI: NY” fame.  Gary was awarded a Stetson after the concert this year by president of the chapter for his efforts on behalf of those serving our country.  At the Christmas party the CEO of OSOTIL, and its founder, Deborah Richert, was also awarded a Stetson.  She could not have been more pleased as she now has a Cav hat as does her elder son.

A very moving and emotional presentation was given during the regular November meeting by retired LTC Ryan Yantis who was assigned in the Pentagon on 9-11.  Ryan is currently the Executive Director, Korean War National Museum and will be invited to return and discuss his current challenges and opportunities.  One of the highlights of this recent year was the “better late than never” recognition of the service of previous chapter presidents. Don Smolinski, John Crowden, and John Schwan.  Each received a cavalry saber mounted on a plaque for wall display.

The officers of the Chapter have agreed to remain in their positions for the next year.

The Chapter assisted the Kettle Moraine Chapter in hosting the 2002 Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has been selected to host the 2014 Reunion.

L-R John Schwan, John Crowden  and Don Smolinski

Gary Sinise receives a Cav Stetson from Mason Holmes

Updated as of: 3 January 2011