A U.S. ARMY RANGER MEDIC ANSWERS A HIGHER CALLING

I am the proud mother of Sgt Jonathan K. Peney, my only child, who was born on July 1st, 1987, and died one month short of his 23rd birthday and twelve days short of his first wedding anniversary. .

Jonathan served as an Army Ranger Medic with 75th RANGER REGIMENT, 1/75, 2nd Platoon D Co, from 2005 to 2010. “Doc” as his brothers-in-arms called him, always wanted to serve his country. At the age of fourteen, he wanted to enlist. We had witnessed the Twin Towers being flown into by the terrorists on live TV, September 11th. On that date, he begain his preparation to become one of the best of the best, an U.S. Army Ranger. Officially, my son deployed four times, participating in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan. Being a Ranger, there were many occasions, I did not know where or when he was out of the country on a mission.

His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Expert Field Medical Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. He has also been awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with combat star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.

The U.S. Army Ranger can well be described as the epitome of a Soldier. A Ranger is a highly skilled professional who is skilled in small unit tactics, airborne and ground operations, and can take the fight to the enemy anywhere in the world.

My son, SGT Jonathan K. Peney, distinguished himself through exceptionally valorous achievement which was on the last day of his life during a fericous firefight lasting from May 31 to June 1, 2010. As Jon would have said, he was just doing his job (MOS) as a Ranger Platoon Medic. When the call came out for “medic”, Jon without hesitation and with total disregard for his own personal safety, he knowingly responded, climbing through the barrage of enemy fire in a valorous attempt to reach a wounded team leader to provide him with critical medical treatment. At the top of his climb, as he crested the rooftop, my son, Jonathan, was mortally wounded by sniper fire. His valorous actions under direct fire, plus, his overwhelming dedication and commitment to the welfare of his ground force on the battlefield inspired the men of his platoon to gain fire superiority over the enemy. Jon laid his life down for another and for all of American's freedoms. The dedication ceremony for my son can be viewed at http://youtu.be/7GdMgsmf_k0…

But Jonathan was more than a soldier and hero. He was a dedicated son and loving husband to his wife, Kristen. He was fearless and will always be my hero.~ Sue Peney

We offer our gratitude to Sue Peney for sharing her story and our heartfelt and deep condolences for her loss. Today, March 17th was Jon's favorite holiday, and he always participated in the Savannah, Georgia St Patrick's Day Parade. So we thought it only fitting that we honor Jon's story today!

God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.

Veteran Tributes: https://www.facebook.com/ComesASoldierswhisper