Fort Carson soldier is the 7th killed in Iran war

Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington

A soldier from Fort Carson has died while deployed in Saudi Arabia.

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, originally from Kentucky, passed away on March 8 after being seriously injured during an attack on U.S. troops at Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj on March 1. He was serving in support of Operation Epic Fury and is the seventh U.S. service member killed in the ongoing war with Iran.

Sgt. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson near Colorado Springs, a role he held since June 2025. He enlisted in the Army in 2017.

Col. Michael F. Dyer, commander of the 1st Space Brigade, called Sgt. Pennington a “dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty,” adding that the brigade “will forever honor his legacy and ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

During his service, Sgt. Pennington earned several awards, including a service medal for the Global War on Terrorism and the Army Service Ribbon. The U.S. Army has announced he will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has ordered flags to half staff in honor of Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington. In a posting from the governor on social media, he says: ‘Our hearts are with the family and friends of Sergeant Pennington. The brave members of our military and armed services who put on the uniform in service to our state and country are our neighbors, friends, and community members. Colorado honors Sergeant Pennington’s service and bravery.’