Des Plaines in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

War in Afghanistan, 2001-2021

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

1. War in Afghanistan, 2001-2021 Marker

Inscription. Following the terrorist attacks committed by members of al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001, the United States sought retribution and regime change in the Middle East through its War on Terror. In late 2001, the United States military and its allies toppled the Taliban regime in Afghanistan with the intention of establishing a democratic government and rooting out terrorist organizations. Ongoing insurgency by Taliban groups mired efforts to stabilize the new government. The United States withdrew in 2021, having suffered 2,420 deaths over nearly 20 years, including one from Des Plaines. His name is on the wall of the Memorial Pavilion.

[Caption of photo:]
Chris Scherkenbach grew up in Des Plaines. He began his career in the US Army in 1987 and soon became a helicopter pilot. His CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

Erected by Des Plaines History Center.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Afghanistan. A significant historical year for this entry is 2001.

Location. 42° 0.79′ N, 87° 53.685′ W. Memorial is in Des Plaines, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Lee Street west of Fargo Avenue. The marker is in Lake Park, near the memorial pavilion just east of Lake Opeka. It is part of the memorial

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garden walk, 11 signs that discuss America's military engagements and Des Plaines's link to them, that sits behind the POW/MIA memorial. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Des Plaines IL 60018, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gulf War, 1990-1991 (here, next to this marker); Iraq War, 2003-2011 (here, next to this marker); Cold War, 1946-1991 (here, next to this marker); Vietnam War, 1955-1975 (here, next to this marker); Illinois Remembers POW/MIA (here, next to this marker); Lake Park Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); Korean War, 1950-1975 (here, next to this marker); Civil War, 1861-1865 (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Plaines.

Regarding War in Afghanistan, 2001-2021. Chris Scherckenbach was born in Des Plaines and later moved west of here to Mt. Prospect, where he graduated from Prospect High School in 1982. After moving to Florida, Scherkenbach enlisted in the Army in 1987 and later became a warrant officer. In Afghanistan, Scherkenbach was serving with the "Night Stalkers," the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, an elite group known for its night operations. On June 28, 2005, Chief Warrant Officer Scherkenbach was aboard a helicopter that was, according to newspaper reports, on a mission to rescue four Navy Seals who had been captured by the Taliban.

Memorial Garden Walk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

2. Memorial Garden Walk

Between Lake Park's memorial pavilion and the POW/MIA memorial is a small "garden walk" that includes 11 signs describing America's military history and Des Plaines's link.

The helicopter, carrying 16 service members, was shot down by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade, killing everyone on board.

Also see . . . Chicago Tribune: Mt. Prospect native killed in Afghanistan. A 2005 article about Sherkenbach's life and his death in Afghanistan. (Submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 141 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.