Gov. Beshear Orders Flags to Half-Staff Friday
in Honor of Kentucky Soldier

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 26, 2026) – Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, March 27, in honor of a Kentucky soldier who died while supporting Operation Epic Fury.

According to the U.S. Department of War, Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, died March 8 from injuries sustained during an enemy attack on March 1 at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. He was assigned to 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, Fort Carson, Colorado.

A memorial service for Pennington, who was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, was held at Central Hardin High School Saturday. Inurnment of Pennington’s remains at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff will take place in a private ceremony Friday.

Individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the commonwealth are encouraged to join in this tribute. Flag status information is available at governor.ky.gov/flag-status.