Duckworth, Durbin Introduce Bill to Rename Plainfield Post Office in Honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez, Jr.

Duckworth, Durbin Introduce Bill to Rename Plainfield Post Office in Honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez, Jr.

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office facility located at 14855 South Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, Illinois, in honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez, Jr. Dueñez was one of four U.S. soldiers were killed during an Army training exercise in Lithuania on March 31, 2025. U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.

"Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez, Jr.'s commitment to bravely serving his country was commendable, and I'm proud to introduce this legislation to recognize his dedication to his community and his country," Duckworth said. "We honor and salute his sacrifice to this nation, and I hope to see the Plainfield Post Office renamed to help ensure his memory is rightfully honored."

"Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr., a proud son of Illinois, made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and should be remembered for generations to come," Durbin said. "Renaming the Plainfield Post Office after Sgt. Dueñez would honor his legacy of service and bravery."

"Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. represents the best of our community. He was an extraordinary hero who served his country with strength and resilience," said Underwood. "I'm honored to introduce this legislation to permanently commemorate his sacrifice and service. The Plainfield Post Office will bear his name as reminder of his contributions not only to his country, but to his community and family as a father, husband, brother, and son."

Dueñez was born on April 8, 1999, and was raised in Joliet along with his five sisters. Dueñez was promoted five times over the course of his service, ultimately reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant in November 2020. He served in three overseas deployments-Poland in 2019, Germany in 2022 and Lithuania in 2025-and was recognized with two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, one Certificate of Achievement, two Army Good Conduct Medals and a National Defense Service Medal.

Full text of the bill is available on Senator Duckworth's website.

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