HE DARED TO BE DIFFERENT
On my honor I will do my best
Sometimes when a boy sets out to do his best the people around him are unsettled by the fact that he looks and acts differently than the other boys. Maybe his haircut isn’t traditional or he doesn’t always dress in khakis and a polo shirt. He seems to question everything. He isn’t fond of authority. He challenges everyone he comes in contact with, not afraid to speak his mind; he sometimes infuriates those around him with his “attitude.”
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
Okay, about that Scout Law-trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind-he does pretty well on these. How about obedient and cheerful? Well, sometimes, if he feels like it. Thrifty? He has jobs and saves for his future. Brave, clean, and reverent will become apparent as you read on.
He attends parochial school and goes to church regularly, but this is a boy who will need to find his own way. He spends the first few years after high school searching for himself and his life is not without difficult times and many challenges. He studies at college, works as a mechanic, and is now the father of a small son. He wants to make a better life for his son, become a man, and serve his country.
To help other people at all times;
He loves his family and his community. He spends a lot of time in thought before deciding to enlist in the Army. He is proud to be an American; he loves his country and is willing to fight for the freedom that he so strongly believes in. He wants to make the world a safer and better place, not only for his son, but for everyone.
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
A good student, he excels in athletics, especially in cross-country and wrestling. In fact, he had the opportunity to represent his high school at the State Wrestling finals, finishing his wrestling career with an impressive record of 35-1. He is a unique individual, sometimes described as a “good kid” or a “tough cookie.” He has an inner drive and a desire to challenge himself to be the very best.
This man is Specialist Brian Hamilton Penisten, United States Army, Air Defense Artillery Battery, 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Brian and 14 other Army men and women died Sunday morning, November 2, 2003 when the Chinook helicopter they were flying in was shot down near Fallujah, Iraq. They were on their way to Baghdad International, to return to the states for R&R. Brian was to be married during his leave and planned to return to Fort Wayne when he was discharged from the service in July.
Brian Penisten was a member of St. Vincent’s Boy Scout Troop #2. He served as Team Captain of Varsity Team 6402. Brian went to Philmont and participated in numerous troop and team activities. As a Life Scout, Brian completed his Eagle Project but didn’t get his Eagle rank due to extenuating circumstances. Both Brian’s parents were Committee Members for the St. Vincent Troop, remaining active even after Brian’s scouting days were through. Brian graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School in 1993 and was a member of St. Vincent Catholic Church.
Brian, 28, was buried with full military honors on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at Highland Park Cemetery. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Army Commendation Medal.
Brian Penisten grew into a fine man, son, father, fiancé, friend, and war hero. He proudly served our country living by the values he learned from the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. He was willing to sacrifice his life doing his duty to God and his country to protect our freedom. Not bad for a boy with an “attitude.” The next time you see a young boy who isn’t afraid to be different, to ask questions, or to infuriate you because he’s willing to stand up for what he believes in, stop and ask yourself could he be another Brian Penisten?
His parents, John and Mona Penisten, his four-year-old son, Trevor, and his fiancé, Johnna Loia of Pueblo, Colorado, survive. Donations can be made to the Trevor Penisten Educational Trust Fund at any Bank One branch location. The family also requests prayers and letters of encouragement, thanks, and support to be sent to those soldiers who are serving our country.
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