In 1887, the U.S. Army
established Ft. Sheridan along the coast of Lake Michigan just north of
Chicago, Illinois.
In the early years, Ft.
Sheridan was known as a "Calvary Post".It is thought this is when the post's first army band personnel arrived
to support training missions, post ceremonies, social activities, and the
Officer's Club.
As time evolved so did the
Army musicians' missions promoting troop morale, supporting all military
functions on Ft. Sheridan, promoting public relations within the city of
Chicago (including performing for dignitaries from all over the world, and
supporting city/community celebrations.
As such, this assignment was
unique and desired by some of the most talented musicians in the U.S.
Army.The area offered many
opportunities for musicians leaving active duty for civilian life.Some returned to their hometowns across
the country while many stayed in the area to become a permanent part of the
city of Chicago and surrounding communities.
Ft. Sheridan was deactivated
on May 28, 1993.
The technology in the field
of communication has advanced quickly enabling many of these veteran army
musicians to reconnect, leading to an interest in a possible reunion.Currently about 40 veteran army
musicians with prior assignments at Ft. Sheridan have chosen the 3rd/4th
of July as an attempt to reunite and play a concert at this historic post.
If you were a prior service
army musician stationed at Ft. Sheridan and share an interest in this reunion,
please leave contact information and any questions by clicking the button below
Feel free to pass this
information on to anyone you may know who also shared this experience as an
army musician stationed at Ft. Sheridan, IL.
