Near-Miss for Local Hero in GM Contest

After a close race with more than 5,000 votes cast for the four finalists, Montgomery’s Herschel Luckinbill came in second in this year’s final round of General Motors’ Our Town, Our Heroes program.

A Vietnam veteran, Luckinbill garnered 2,091 votes, compared to the 2,133 votes nabbed by the winner, Ashley Coleman of East St. Louis.

“I feel just wonderful to know I have the friends I have,” Luckinbill said of his tally.

Luckinbill was nominated for the Our Town, Our Heroes contest by his friend Wayne Johnson for his inspirational work honoring Word War II veterans with Honor Fight Chicago, an organization that flies veterans to Washington DC to visit the war memorials and be recognized for their service.

On the way home from the Honor Flight trips, Luckinbill said every veteran receives letters ("mail call") thanking them for their service.

For Luckinbill, seeing the comments made about him on the contest’s website “made me feel like I was on that plane having my own day of honor,” he said.

Commenter Debbie King lauded Luckinbill for giving tirelessly of his time to honor World War II  veterans.

“Not only does he work with Honor Flight Chicago and help with each and every flight, he meets with all of the veterans in Aurora and the surrounding areas once a month for breakfast, provides rides to them wherever they need to go and is available to assist them in any way possible. Herschel is a true hero,” King said.

Mary Pettinato, CEO of Honor Flight Chicago, thanked Luckinbill for his service to the organization.

“Herschel is an American Hero who gives of himself every day to honor America's veterans--especially our most senior veterans, our WWII heroes,” she said. “Thank you Herschel for all you do to support and honor our World War II heroes.”

Gina Post commented that Luckinbill is “one of the most enthusiastic, energetic people I know.”

“He works tirelessly helping all veterans, especially our World War II veterans,” she said. “He's got multiple irons in the fire at all times—whether it's fundraising, honoring veterans, or just helping out any way he can. His volunteer work clearly comes from his heart. Best of all, he is a cheerful giver. And let's not forget that great Herschel smile.”

Luckinbill did not mind coming in second to Coleman.

"She's a very qualified lady and I'm happy for her," he said.

According to a press release, General Motors launched the Our Town, Our Heroes program to support and reward local heroes who are inspiring and empowering others in their communities. Every two weeks, the program narrowed down the nominations, and enabled the public to choose the winner by voting for the featured finalists. The hero, and the person who nominated him or her, will receive a one-week loan of an all-new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle and a full tank of gas.