Plainfield Post Office Could Be Renamed After Fallen Joliet Soldier

PLAINFIELD, IL — A new bill is looking to rename the Plainfield Post Office after a fallen soldier native to Joliet.

Rep. Lauren Underwood brought forth legislation to rename the post office at 14855 S. Van Dyke Road as the "Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. Post Office Building." Dueñez was one of four U.S. soldiers who were killed March 31, 2025, during an Army training exercise in Lithuania.

Born on April 8, 1999, Dueñez was raised in Joliet along with his five sisters. During the course of his service, he was promoted five times, becoming staff sergeant in November 2020.

Dueñez's family described him as "someone who always wanted to protect people," according to a news release from Underwood's office. Dueñez served for seven years after enlisting in the military after high school.

"Staff Sergeant Jose Dueñez Jr. represents the best of our community. He was an extraordinary hero who served his country with strength and resilience," Underwood said in a statement. "I'm honored to lead 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 served in three overseas deployments: Poland in 2019, Germany in 2020 and Lithuania in 2025. He 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.

The bill passed the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform with unanimous bipartisan support and is awaiting consideration by the full House of Representatives.