State representative Stephanie Kifowit (84th District), Oswego, is honored to announce the dedication of “Herschel Luckinbill Road” in memory of the late U.S. Navy veteran, Herschel Luckinbill. This event will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at the intersection of U.S. Route 30 and Douglas Road, Oswego, (Jewel parking lot), rain or shine. All are invited to join in this meaningful ceremony.
“Herschel’s unwavering dedication to his Country, his fellow veterans, and our community is an inspiration to us all,” said Kifowit. “As we dedicate ‘Herschel Luckinbill Road,’ we ensure that his legacy lives on for generations to come, a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have. I invite everyone to join us October 13, rain or shine, as we pay tribute to a man whose service and commitment knew no bounds.”
Earlier this year, the Illinois General Assembly unanimously passed House Joint Resolution 79 to designate a section of Route 30 in Kendall County in memory of Herschel Luckinbill, a former Montgomery resident, and beloved member of the community who passed away unexpectedly July 28, 2021. Herschel’s remarkable life of service, both in the U.S. Navy and as a dedicated community volunteer, left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Herschel Luckinbill was my best friend,” said American Legion Post 84 Commander Mike Eckburg. “I’m thankful we crossed paths and then ran together with each other at countless events and activities, all veteran-related, for 15 to 20 years. I’ll never meet another one like him. It’s very appropriate that he is recognized. He was a good family man, a patriot, and an American hero!”
“Herschel was a proud veteran,” remembered Rick Gardner, co-leader of the Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club.
During his military service, Herschel served with distinction in the Vietnam War aboard the USS O’Brien, a destroyer based in California, completing two tours of duty on the shores of Vietnam. Two days before Christmas 1966, his ship, was hit by direct fire from the North Vietnamese.
As the general quarters alarm was sounded and he and his shipmates poured out of the sleeping compartment, 19-year-old Luckinbill got topside just as an incoming shell hit, killed two of his friends right behind him, and wounded four more. Herschel never quite got over that night, and he dedicated the last decades of his life to promoting veterans’ causes in memory of all those who did not make it home.
Herschel Luckinbill served as a guardian to Veterans for Honor Flight Chicago an incredible 25 times, escorting them to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials erected in tribute to the service of our World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam, War veterans. In addition to his work with Honor Flight Chicago, Herschel was instrumental in bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to Aurora and Oswego, as well as the Middle East Conflict Wall to Oswego. In 2008, he took on the leadership of the Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club and fostered camaraderie among more than 65 Aurora area veterans who met every week under Herschel Luckinbill for breakfast to stay active and engaged in the community. Herschel actively participated in numerous youth sports and area organizations.
“Herschel was a tremendous community leader who dedicated his time and talent to serving veterans throughout our area,” said Village of Oswego president Ryan Kauffman. “His steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others was truly remarkable and this road dedication will remind us of his legacy.”
Now, in recognition of his lifetime of service, Route 30 from Douglas Road to River Road officially will bear the name “Herschel Luckinbill Road.” This dedication serves as a lasting tribute to Herschel’s dedication to his country, his fellow veterans, and the community he held dear.
Representative Kifowit is honored to preside over this dedication ceremony and invites all members of the community to attend. For more information on the event, please contact 630-585-1308.
—Office of State representative Stephanie Kifowit