WASHINGTON, D.C.—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 passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives today with unanimous approval. The bill, H.R. 4326, is co-sponsored by the entire Illinois congressional delegation and would rename the U.S. Post office at 200 West North Street in Normal, Illinois. The legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate, and if passed will be sent to the President to be signed into law.
“Today’s vote takes one more step towards highlighting the incredible sacrifice and patriotism of U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers within his hometown community. We are forever indebted to Sgt. Rodgers and his family for paying the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms. I once again want to thank my Illinois colleagues for their full bipartisan support of this legislation and it is my hope that our colleagues in the Senate swiftly take up this legislation to recognize this true American hero,” stated Rep. Darin LaHood.
“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 Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13). “It’s because of men and women like Sergeant Rodgers who risk their lives in service to our country that we remain free. It’s a debt owed to him and his family that we will never be able to repay. I am happy to see this bill pass the House and I hope for quick action in the Senate.”
Background:
This bill would formally rename the post office the “Sgt. Josh Rodgers Post Office” in recognition of Josh’s heroism and service to our nation. Congressman LaHood was pleased to consult with the U.S. Postal Service, Illinois State Representative Dan Brady, and Joshua’s mother, Vonda Coulter Rodgers, on this bill.
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. Along with the Army Achievement Medal, Rodgers received the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. He also received the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart posthumously
