Lenore Sobota
NORMAL — Legislation to rename the post office in uptown Normal in honor of a Normal Community High School graduate who was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan is on its way to the White House for the president's signature.
Sgt. Joshua Rodgers, a U.S. Army Ranger, died in a raid on an ISIS headquarters on April 27, 2017. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday night approved renaming the post office, at 200 W. North St., in honor of Rodgers.
The measure was passed last month in the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, a Republican from Dunlap, introduced the legislation that was co-sponsored by every member of the Illinois congressional delegation.
Rodgers was on his third tour of duty as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga., at the time of this death. The 2013 NCHS graduate had participated in football and track at NCHS.
LaHood thanked U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both Illinois Democrats, for their support.
Duckworth said, “Dedicating this post office in his honor will preserve his memory and serve as a continuous reminder of his sacrifice and love of this nation. ”
“Sgt. Josh Rodgers could not be more deserving of this recognition," added Durbin in a statement. At the young age of 22, he became a decorated war hero and continued to put his life on the line to protect our country. For this we are forever thankful.”
