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“We nearly lost him” came the cry, not from the WWII battlefields in Czechoslovakia, but from the bedside of Rob Crooker at John Muir Hospital. It wasn’t a German soldier’s bullet that nearly killed him, but a virus called bacterial meningitis, the same virus that took the life of Danville Councilman Mike Shimansky last year.
Crooker, president of the Old Crows Men’s Club of Crow Canyon Country Club and a sergeant in the U.S. Army 97th Infantry Division, took a dive on a marble table at home after a fainting spell in the middle of the night. Luckily his son Brad, who lives with him, heard what happened and called 911. He was rushed to Join Muir where he was unconscious for three days in intensive care, hooked up to an IV.
After a week there, he was moved to a rehab center for another week before being discharged. The same courage and fortitude that got him through the war was attributed to the conquering of the virus. You see, he knew he had another mission to accomplish.
This spring he was to accompany his army buddies of the 97th to the Czech Republic to be honored as heroes for their participation in liberating them from the German army. They have made this trip every five years since 1995, the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. Together with his new cane, granddaughter Molly and Brad, he was able to make the trip for the 65th anniversary.
As they toured each town they were greeted by the Lord Mayors and honored at the various “Thank You America” monuments, and Rob was asked to lay the wreath at the monument in Cheb. In the city of Pilsen, they were greeted by the president of the Czech Republic. The reception was overwhelming as the large crowds of liberated Czechs and their descendants cheered the few remaining American soldiers — only six of them were left to make the trip. As apparent from the Jack Lemmon twinkle in his eyes as he salutes next to the Lord Mayor of Cheb, he was thrilled. And to have his son and granddaughter there was the icing on the cake.
The Old Crows, who are so aware of the precious time they have left with their remaining members of the “Greatest Generation,” are also thrilled to have him back performing his duties as their president.
Editor’s note: Stan Wharton is a member of the Old Crows Men’s Club.
Editor’s note: Stan Wharton is a member of the Old Crows Men’s Club.
Bacterial meningitis is caused by BACTERIA (there are a number of different bacteria most commonly causing meningitis)which is treatable with antibiotics if the disease is suspected and caught early enough and treatment is initiated. Viral meninigitis, also called aseptic meningitis, although potentially life-threatening, is usually less severe and treated supportively. There are vaccines routinely given to children and adults which immunize against the most common types of bacterial meningitis.