Kids & Family

Distinguished Navy Veteran to be Montgomery Fest Parade Grand Marshal

The Montgomery Fest parade starts at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, in downtown Montgomery.

Editor's note: The following is a press release from the village of Montgomery.

Herschel Luckinbill served two tours of duty to the shores of Vietnam aboard the USS O’Brien DD 725 Destroyer. On December 23, 1966, the ship received three direct hits from Viet Cong shore battery, killing two of Luckinbill’s shipmates. He was honorably discharged in December 1967 after almost four years of service to the United States Navy.

Luckinbill now . He also presides over the Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club, serves on Aurora’s Fourth of July parade committee, is president of his ship’s Reunion Association, hosted ship reunions in 2009 and 2011, and travels across the United States teaching others how to run military reunions. He continues to actively raise funds for these causes, with his most recent fundraiser in June raising more than $28,000 for Honor Flight Chicago.

Find out what's happening in Montgomerywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Luckinbill will soon have a new title to add to his list of accomplishments: Grand Marshal of the 2012 Montgomery Fest Parade.

“Herschel Luckinbill is a hero and a friend to all veterans,” said Village President Marilyn Michelini. “The village is delighted that he will serve as Grand Marshal this year.”

Find out what's happening in Montgomerywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Luckinbill married his wife Eva on June 17, 1967 and they recently celebrated their 45th anniversary. Eva Luckinbill serves as director of the Aurora Library. They have three children and seven grandchildren residing in the Aurora area.

The Montgomery Fest parade starts at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, in downtown Montgomery. It will feature business floats, marching bands and local dignitaries.

For more information about Montgomery Fest, contact Ruth Maloy at 630-896-8080, Ext. 1116.

Click here to read more Herschel Luckinbill coverage on Montgomery Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here