Governor Polis ordered flags to fly at half-staff across the state from sunrise Friday, March 20, 2026 until sunset Saturday March 21, 2026, in honor of Staff Sgt. Benjamin Pennington who was killed during Operation Epic Fury. Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade in Fort Carson, Colorado.
On Friday March 20th, Sergeant Pennington will be honored with a public procession in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and his memorial service is being held on Saturday March 21st.
“Colorado joins Staff Sergeant Pennington’s friends, family, and loved ones in honoring his life and service. We owe our freedom to those who bravely serve our nation in uniform, and today I mourn Staff Sergeant Pennington’s death, and express my profound thanks for his service,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.