Benjamin Pennington Kentucky Parents Mourn Sgt. Son’s Death in Iranian Attack on U.S. Troops
March 9, 2026 — Dover Air Force Base, Delaware — Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, from Glendale, Kentucky, received a dignified transfer ceremony after succumbing to wounds from an Iranian attack on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1. He was the seventh U.S. service member killed in Operation Epic Fury.
Pennington, posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, Army Space and Missile Defense Command. He enlisted in 2017 as a unit supply specialist and earned a Purple Heart.
Family and Community Grief
Benjamin Pennington’s Kentucky parents, Thomas and Rosa Goodman Pennington, reside in Brown Ridge, Elliott County, though he grew up in Glendale, Hardin County. Hardin County Judge-Executive Keith Taul said he has known Pennington’s father for decades and noted the family is “hurting pretty bad right now.”
Flags flew at half-staff in Hardin County in his honor, as announced by local officials. Tributes highlighted support for Benjamin Pennington’s Kentucky parents during the dignified transfer, with X users noting their presence.
Official Tributes and Ceremony
The ceremony at Dover was attended by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, who saluted the transfer case.
Pennington gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country that he loved. That makes him nothing less than a hero, and he will always be remembered that way.
— Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, Army Space and Missile Defense Command
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called Pennington “a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country.”
Sen. Bennet expressed sorrow for the loss, while Amy McGrath called for prayers for his family. The Hardin County school district, from which Pennington graduated, stated he “represented the very best of our community.”
Local Remembrance
WDRB News reported community remembrances in Hardin County, emphasizing Benjamin Pennington Kentucky parents’ deep ties. Additional condolences came via X posts and local media, focusing on the sacrifice and prayers for Benjamin Pennington’s Kentucky parents, Thomas and Rosa.
Pennington’s death marks the latest in the ongoing conflict, with the Pentagon confirming details.
