Staff Sgt. Benjamin "Ben" Noah Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, passed away on March 8, 2026, at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia from injuries sustained during Operation Epic Fury.
From an early age, Ben knew his calling was to serve as an American soldier and had a deep love of military history. As a teenager, he participated in cross country and track at Central Hardin High School and devoted himself to the Boy Scouts, eventually earning the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout.
Ben enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18, serving with honor throughout a career that included assignments at Fort Polk, Louisiana; a tour in South Korea; and Fort Carson, Colorado. He embraced every opportunity life offered, enjoying Major League Baseball, Kentucky bourbon, hiking Colorado’s fourteeners, skiing, and snowboarding.
Most importantly, Ben renewed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in January 2026 at Zeal Church in Colorado Springs.
Though his life was far too short, Ben lived with purpose, courage, humility, and a spirit of service to others. He fulfilled his lifelong dream of serving his country and leaves behind a legacy of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to those he loved and served alongside.
