By John Montesano
The Fox Valley veteran community recently lost one of its most charismatic and devoted advocates with the recent death of Herschel Luckinbill. It was only four months ago that Herschel moved to Tennessee.
The Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club (FVVBC) members were sorry to see him move, but at least it gave us an opportunity to thank him for all he has done for the veteran community. His story is being told in various publications for all to know. It is a final farewell to an American hero. Although we mourn the loss of his physical presence, we celebrate the enduring spirit. It is up to us to continue Herschel’s work for veterans, their families, active military, and Blue and Gold Star families.
Herschel had a way about him that was warm and welcoming. He treated all around him as family members.
The FVVBC was not founded by Herschel, but when he became president in 2008, he saw potential in what the Breakfast Club could be. As always, everyone, not just veterans, was welcome to attend.
The Club grew and with the help of 50/50 raffles each meeting and Herschel’s constant solicitation of donations from the community, he provided funds for occasional free breakfasts and yearly trips such as visits to: LaSalle Illinois Veterans Home; Willis Tower and Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago; Community Veterans Memorial, Muncie Ind.; Rock Island Arsenal; Chicago Architectural Boat Trip; Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie; and Cantigny and the Big Red 1 Museum in Wheaton.
Major accomplishments sponsored by the FVVBC: 2013 restoration of the cannon at Riverside Cemetery, in Montgomery; 2013 Aurora Vietnam Moving Wall; 2014 Oswego Walmart Honor Wall of 350 veterans’ photos; 2017 Walter Truemper (Word War II Medal of Honor recipient) Monument Dedication; 2017 Oswego Vietnam Moving Wall; and the 2021 Mid-East Wall of Honor in Oswego.
No matter the undertaking, Herschel, with his enthusiasm and commitment, was always found the required manpower and the funds. He had that way about him.
Other FVVBC facts: Approximately 50 veterans have received a Quilts of Valor through the Illinois Quilts of Valor and Rita Pennington; and the Veteran of the Month program has honored 69 veterans.
Herschel was part of Honor Flight Chicago and was a guardian on 25 trips to Washington, D.C.. He participated as an assistant on VetsRoll bus trips to Washington, D.C..
Then there were the numerous acts of kindness that he performed that tend to go unnoticed. For example, he would bring breakfast to a home-bound veteran; provide transportation to a doctor’s office; help someone behind on financial bills; visit a veteran in a hospital.
Herschel was one of a kind. His boots will be hard to fill. Those of us who knew him have been infused with his spirit. We will do our best to keep his spirit alive.
Thank you, Herschel. We will miss you.