HARDIN COUNTY, Ky. (WDRB) — The Hardin County community came together to honor a local hero killed in the Iran conflict.
The body of Staff Sgt. Benjamin Pennington arrived at Fort Knox Friday afternoon.
More than 100 people, from young and old, gathered to pay their respects as a law enforcement led a procession, escorting Pennington's body from Fort Knox, through Glendale, his hometown, to a funeral home in Elizabethtown.
The procession of Staff Sgt. Benjamin Pennington's body started at Fort Knox, passing through his hometown of Glendale before being taken to a funeral home in Elizabethtown on Friday, March 20, 2026. (WDRB image)
At 26 years old, Pennington died after he was hurt in an attack on American troops in Saudi Arabia.
A Central Hardin High School 2017 graduate, Pennington enlisted in the Army shorting after graduation. He was assigned to the 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado in 2025.
Last week, the Glendale community spent time putting up American flags and yellow ribbons along Main Street, representing the loss of life in service.
“I saw him every day for five years or six years with kindergarten, and they’re just a wonderful family, we just wanted to do whatever we could to honor him and to honor them," said Markita Conner, who was among those honoring Pennington.
Pennington was promoted to staff sergeant after his death.
His funeral service will be held Saturday at Central Hardin High School with his interment at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff.
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