Underwood Introduces Legislation to Rename Plainfield Post Office in Honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr.

November 20, 2025

JOLIET — Rep. Lauren Underwood led members of the Illinois congressional delegation, Representatives Robin Kelly (IL-02), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Bill Foster (IL-11), Darin LaHood (IL-16), and Eric Sorenson (IL-17) to introduce legislation to honor Underwood’s constituent and officially designate the Post Office Building at 14855 South Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, IL as the “Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. Post Office Building.”

Staff Sergeant Dueñez and three other U.S. soldiers were killed during an Army training exercise in Lithuania on March 31, 2025. His family describes Dueñez as “someone who always wanted to protect people.” He was a beloved member of his community who enlisted right after high school and served his country for seven years.

“Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. represents the best of our community. He was an extraordinary hero who served his country with strength and resilience,” Rep. Underwood said. “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.”

Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. 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 of 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 legislation can be found here.

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Issues:Veterans