Italian American Veterans Museum
is proud to present
“Toppling a Dictator: Boots on the Ground in Panama”

Presented by former Army Ranger Salvatore “Sammy” DiTusa
3 p.m. • Sunday, June 5, 2022
Italian American Veterans Museum
Third Floor • Office Center • Casa Italia
3800 Division St. • Stone Park

On Dec. 17, 1989, President George H. W. Bush gave “Operation Just Cause” the
green light, setting the invasion of Panama in motion. The goal was to capture
Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega and restore democracy. A scant three days
later, the lead element of the invasion parachuted into the Panamanian sky at 1 a.m.,
in the U.S. military’s first combat night jump since World War II.

Among those parachuting in was Specialist Salvatore “Sammy” DiTusa, a member
of the U.S. Army’s 2/75 Rangers. In those pre-dawn hours, the Rangers and several
other elite military units knocked out radar installations, secured several critical
objects and paved the way for the almost 26,000 U.S. troops to follow. On June 5,
DiTusa will offer a blow-by-blow account of a dictatorship’s end.

The museum will be open at 2 p.m., with light refreshments served. Admission is
free, but donations are welcome. Seating is limited, and reservations are a must.

Call 708-338-0690 and leave your name, phone number and the number of people in
your party.

[gview file=”https://www.coalitionofvets.org/ovc/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/DiTusa-Flyer.pdf”]

Hey Chicago Veterans!

You’re invited to get assistance enrolling in VA health care, applying for disability compensation, and accessing other benefits you’ve earned.

• Access VA mental health resources.
• Concerns about your toxic exposure while in service?
• Find out what resources you are eligible for.
• Interested in income-based benefits for war-time Veterans and survivors?
• Need help submitting a VA disability claim?
• Need housing or worried about becoming homeless?
• Ready to enroll in VA health care?
• Want to check the status of your disability claim or appeal?
• Want to learn more about VA health care options for women?

This is an exclusive event for Veterans and their families in the Chicago area. Don’t miss this opportunity to access the benefits you’ve earned. Just show up on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Event Location:
6100 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60639

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/3e9256e