| Jonathan Peney |
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Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jonathan Peney died June 1, 2010, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Ranger Peney, who enlisted in the Army in 2005, had served as a combat medic for more than two years. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Ranger Peney, a highly trained medic, was killed while on his fourth deployment to Afghanistan. The 22-year-old Ranger died from wounds sustained when he was shot by enemy forces while trying to give medical aid to a fellow soldier who had been wounded. Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment said, "Spc. Peney was the epitome of our Ranger medics -- warrior first, expert in advanced medical treatment, and selflessly dedicated to the care of others. Spc. Peney did not hesitate to move under heavy fire to care for another wounded Ranger. He is a hero to our nation, the 75th Ranger Regiment and his family." In between his military deployments, Ranger Peney found time to meet his future wife. Jonathan met Kristin Felton in Savannah during an outing with friends. The couple was married in Greece in the summer of 2009. Ranger Peney received numerous medals, including the Army Commendation Medal, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Silver Star Medal. According to childhood friends, "Jonathan just wanted to help. He wanted to take life to the next level. He wasn't afraid of anything." Respectfully submitted: |
