Local soldier dies in Iraq
SAUK VILLAGE Pfc. Shane D. Penley, 19, of Sauk Village, Ill., was an infantryman assigned to B Co., 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
The Army says he enlisted in June of 2007 and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., since October of 2007.
He is survived by his parents, David and Dena Penley, of Sauk Village, Ill. and at least one sister.
Penley's awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; and Weapons Qualification, M4, expert.
Grieving family members say they worried about Penley serving in Iraq and tried to talk him out of going. He assured them he would stay safe. It was a promise he could not keep.
"We begged him not to gg. He promised he would be all right. He promised," said sister Crystal Penley.
"I told him, I said, it's going to be a bad time with the chaos going on over there. You make us so proud," said father David Penley.
Shane Penley graduated from Bloom Trail High School last spring. His father said he was athletic and loved sports and had high hopes for his life once he got out of the Army.
"It's hard to take," said David Penley.
According to the Army, it could be up to two weeks or even longer before his remains are returned back home. Until then, his family and friends may have to wait before services can be planned.
A memorial service for the fallen soldier will be held in Iraq. Fort Campbell holds a monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony the second Wednesday of each month.
