Funeral Announced for Soldier Killed in Saudi Arabia Attack

Glendale native Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington died from injuries sustained in March 1 attack on Prince Sultan Air Base.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 6:27pm

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The funeral service for U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, a Glendale, Kentucky native who was killed in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1, has been announced. Sgt. Pennington was critically injured in the attack and died of his injuries on March 8. He will be interred at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff.

Why it matters

The attack that killed Sgt. Pennington highlights the ongoing threats and dangers faced by U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East, as tensions with Iran remain high. His death is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members in defense of their country.

The details

Sgt. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado. He had served in the military since 2017 and was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant. The funeral service will be held on March 21 at Central Hardin High School, where Pennington attended.

  • Sgt. Pennington was critically injured in the attack on March 1, 2026.
  • Sgt. Pennington died of his injuries on March 8, 2026.
  • The funeral service for Sgt. Pennington will be held on March 21, 2026.

The players

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington

A 26-year-old U.S. Army soldier from Glendale, Kentucky who was killed in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Sen. Mitch McConnell

The senior U.S. Senator from Kentucky who released a statement honoring Sgt. Pennington's service and sacrifice.

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What they’re saying

“Today, Kentucky mourns the loss of one of our own: Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, U.S. Army., a native of Glendale. 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.”

— Sen. Mitch McConnell

What’s next

Sgt. Pennington will be interred at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff.

The takeaway

Sgt. Pennington's tragic death in Saudi Arabia underscores the ongoing dangers and sacrifices made by U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East, and serves as a somber reminder of the high price paid in defense of American interests and freedom.