Parade of Jeeps brightens birthday for O’Fallon 14-year old with disabilities

A mom’s request to help make her son’s 14th birthday extra special resulted in an outpouring of support that left her family in awe and O’Fallon residents joyful about the community response.

“I love that this made so many other people smile,” Michelle Herman said. “The fact that this made so many people happy warms my heart.”

On Friday, an estimated 80 to 100 Jeeps lined up to drive by the Herman residence in Milburn Estates, where Airomise waved from his wheelchair, and his 10-year-old sister Aspen and her friends helped hand out small rubber ducks to passersby in appreciation. People brought balloons, cards, greetings, and gifts for the birthday boy.

On June 23, 2009, Airomise Herman was born with a developmental delay, chromosomal abnormality, and a heart condition, Michelle said.

Michelle Herman had posted on the O’Fallon Community’s Facebook page on June 22, a day before the big day:

“My son is obsessed with Jeeps and we want to do a small surprise jeep drive through for him at 6ish pm tomorrow (Friday) for his birthday. We would love it if you joined us. We will be handing out duckies as you go by … He’ll be the one screaming JEEEEEEP in his wheelchair.”

The response was immediate, not only among “Jeepers,” but from residents from all corners. The post quickly gaining more than 235 “likes” and people going into action planning to attend.

“We definitely are in awe over how this has gone,” she said beforehand. “I thought we’d get 10 Jeeps.”

Airomise became a fan of the four-wheel-drive, off-road SUV vehicle after his bus driver/aide, a Jeep owner, introduced him, she said. That led to collecting toy Jeeps – and rubber ducks.

The “Duck Duck Jeep” surprise started during the pandemic and is part of the Jeep community’s way of bringing smiles to people’s faces by leaving a rubber duck on someone’s Jeep. It’s called “ducking.”

The Hermans were ready with 200 small ducks to distribute. The Jeep community, including organizations like the Midwest Off-RoadHERS Inc., the St. Louis area’s first and largest all-female non-profit Jeep club, and the 618 Jeeps club had organized gathering spots beforehand.

A city fire department vehicle sounded a siren to begin the parade, and a steady stream of vehicles drove by with his bus driver leading the pack, Michelle said.

“It was perfect. Best birthday ever. I am so thankful for our friends and the Jeep community,” Michelle said.

“I think it took a whole hour. I stopped counting after 70, some people estimated 80 to 100. Neighbors came out, somebody set up a lemonade stand, and some people just came over to watch, not be in it,” Josh said.

“It was amazing. As it was happening, I became really emotional. We both cried afterwards. This is something he is going to remember for the rest of his life.”

They lived near Sacramento, California, before moving to O’Fallon in December 2021, after Josh was transferred to the area. He is an Air Force veteran but is currently a civilian.

The Hermans said they were attracted to O’Fallon because of the schools. Airomise has been in the O’Fallon School District 90 special education program, but now moves on to the Transition House at O’Fallon Township High School in late summer.

They also are impressed with the regional medical community, Michelle said.

They named their son after Aramis, one of the Three Musketeers in the 1993 movie, which was based on the 1844 novel by Alexandre Dumas about the king’s elite bodyguard in 17th century France.

“My husband liked ‘The Three Musketeers’ movie as a kid and we based it off that,” Michelle said. It is one of the best things we have done for him. We went with unique once we realized he was going to need doctors and specialists throughout his life. They never forget him or his medical situation.”

The All-Abilities Playground now being built in the O’Fallon Community Park is an amenity they are excited about, because they helped advocate for one in the town they lived in California and this addition will be a game-changer, they said.

The Hermans say they are glad they made the decision to move here.

“Thank you, everyone. We were so surprised how big this got. Words cannot express how amazing it was,” Michelle said on Saturday. “He dreamed of Jeeps all last night and is still walking on Cloud 9 this morning.”

Hundreds of comments on Facebook to posted videos included: “This gave me chills! So cool that so many people showed up,” “The look of joy on his face is priceless,” “This is community in action, heartwarming,” and “… it was staggering, and no less astounding was the good will on full display. I ❤️ O’Fallon.”