WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Senate, last night, passed legislation introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood to rename a Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, U.S. post office in honor of U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers. The bill, H.R. 4326, is supported by Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and the entire Illinois House delegation and would rename the U.S. Post office at 200 West North Street in Normal, Illinois. The legislation now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
“I am pleased to see the U.S. Senate pass my legislation to pay tribute to fallen Army Ranger and American hero Josh Rodgers. Passage in the Senate is another important step towards recognizing Josh’s courage and I am grateful to our Illinois Senators for their support. I look forward to getting my legislation to the President’s desk quickly, so Josh’s lasting memory can be permanently honored in his hometown community,” stated Rep. Darin LaHood.
“Sergeant Josh Rodgers could not be more deserving of this recognition. 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,” said Senator Durbin. “I am proud to join Representatives LaHood, Davis, and Senator Duckworth to honor the heroism and service of this hometown hero.”
“Sergeant Joshua Rodgers is an American hero who gave his life for our country. 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,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth.
“Sergeant Joshua Rodgers is a hometown hero and renaming this post office will make sure that his name and the sacrifice he made for us is remembered for generations to come,” said Rep. Rodney Davis. “It’s because of men and women like Sergeant Rodgers who risk their lives in service to our country that we remain free. It is a privilege to be able to honor his life and service with this post office and I look forward to seeing the “Sgt. Josh Rodgers Post Office” in Normal soon.”
Background:
On April 27, 2017, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers was killed in action supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan during a raid on the headquarters of ISIS emir Abdul Hasib. Rodgers received wounds in an hours-long firefight during his third tour of duty as a member of the elite special operations unit. The Bloomington native was 22 years old and already a decorated hero receiving numerous awards and medals, including the Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. He also received the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart posthumously.
