A soldier from Hardin County has been killed during fighting in Saudi Arabia.
Gov. Andy Beshear made the announcement.
“Kentucky, I am sad to share we just received news that Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington from Glendale has died due to injuries from an Iranian attack,” Beshear said. “Sgt. Pennington is a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country. Please join Britainy and me as we pray for his family and our fellow Kentuckians during this time.”
Pennington, 26, a graduate of Central Hardin High School, died on Sunday after suffering injuries during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Sgt. Benjamin Pennington of Glendale,” Hardin County Judge-Executive Keith Taul said. “We know he was seriously injured in and later died due to the attack on our troops in Saudia Arabia.”
Sgt. Pennington served in the military since 2017 and was assigned to the 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado, according to the Department of War.
“This just breaks my heart. I have known the family for at least 30 years. I can’t imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing,” Taul said. “To lose a single service member is just a devastating blow. But when it is one of our own, we grieve as a community. My wife Megan and I are praying for his family during this unthinkable loss.”
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell released the following statement on Sgt. Pennington’s death:
“Today, Kentucky mourns the loss of one of our own: Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, U.S. Army., a native of Glendale. Sgt. Pennington was killed by Iran in an attack on U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia. Sgt. Pennington’s death is an awful reminder of the costs of Tehran’s decades-long war against American service members. A grateful nation honors his life and his service to our country as he paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending American freedom. Elaine and I are thinking of his family during this difficult time, and we pray for our troops still in harm’s way in the Middle East.”
Taul ordered flags be flown at half staff at all Hardin County government buildings, grounds and facilities from Monday at 1:45 until sunset on Wednesday.
Sgt. Pennington’s death marks the seventh U.S. soldier killed in the war with Iran.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
