Representative Jeff Crank of Colorado’s 5th District issued a statement on Mar. 9 honoring Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, who died from injuries sustained during an enemy attack in Saudi Arabia while deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury.
Crank said the loss is a reminder of the risks faced by service members stationed abroad and expressed condolences to Pennington’s family and loved ones.
“I join the nation in mourning the loss of Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, assigned to 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, at Fort Carson, CO. Sergeant Pennington was deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury and succumbed to his injuries sustained during an enemy attack in Saudi Arabia,” said Rep. Crank. “Sergeant Pennington answered the call to serve and defend our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and I am praying for them during this difficult time. This is a grave and sobering reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face in the Middle East and across the globe to defend our nation and freedom. Sergeant Pennington’s courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and may God bless our troops as they continue their mission.”
The statement highlights both personal grief for those close to Sergeant Pennington as well as broader respect for all military personnel serving overseas.
Crank’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about U.S. military operations abroad, particularly regarding safety risks for troops stationed in conflict zones.
