State Representative Stephanie Kifowit 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 Route 30 & Douglass Rd, Oswego, (Jewel Parking Lot) Oswego Village Hall Board Room, 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego. 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 representative 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 on 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 Cmdr. Mike Eckburd. “I’m thankful we crossed paths and then ran together with each other at countless events and activities, all Veteran-related, for 15-20 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.
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 WWII, 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, fostering camaraderie among more than 65 area Veterans who met every other week for breakfast to stay active and engaged in the community. Herschel also 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 will officially 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 Stephanie Kifowit is honored to preside over this dedication ceremony and invites all members of the community to attend. For more information about the event, please contact 630-585-1308
—Office of State representative Stephanie Kifowit