Sergeant First Class Penaluna was born in Naples, Italy. He earned a Master’s degree in Transportation and Logistics Management from American Military University in 2019. After a 13 year break in service SFC Penaluna returned to service in 2006.
Upon entering the Army National Guard in 2006, PFC Penaluna was assigned to the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team as a 19D (Cavalry Scout). He served in a variety of capacities to include Bradly driver and gunner, HMMVW gunner and truck commander. He was also assigned to the supply section where is learned the inter-workings of the 92Y (supply Sergeant) MOS. During his time in the 116 BCT, He had the opportunity to work alongside elements of the Singapore Air Force and Army during joint exercises. During his time in the BCT he was promoted to SPC.
In July 2007, SPC Penaluna transitioned to the Army Reserves where he was assigned to the 321st Engineer Battalion S4 section. During his time at the BN he went to 92Y re-class school in Montana. Upon his return to the Battalion he was put on long term orders and assigned as a company level supply sergeant for two companies (Headquarters Support Company and Field Support Company) for a period of 6 months.
In 2008, SPC Penaluna was selected for the Active Guard Reserve Program and was assigned to the 671st Engineer Company in Everett, WA as the unit supply sergeant. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2009, and to Staff Sergeant in 2010. During his 3 years at the 671st, he served in a number of roles, the Food Service Officer, the Environmental Officer, the assistant S3, and the HAZMAT Officer. He helped coordinated several major bridge building exercises in Victoria, Canada and Ft. Chaffee, AR.
In 2011, SSG Penaluna was assigned to the 414th Military Police Company in Joplin, MO as the unit supply sergeant. During his three years at the 414th, he served in a number of roles, the Food Service Officer, the Environmental Officer, the maintenance NCOIC, and the HAZMAT Officer, amongst other duties. He assisted in coordinating several exercise at Ft. McCoy, WI and Ft. Hunter Liggett, CA.
In 2014, SSG Penaluna was assigned to the 698th Quartermaster Company in Nichols, NY. He was tasked with standing a brand new unit up. During his time at the unit he filled a variety of roles, such as the acting 1sg and acting Commander, Battalion S4, operations NCOIC, and unit supply sergeant for three units. His duties include being the Anti-terrorism Officer, Equal Opportunity Officer, Hazmat Officer, Environmental Officer, Food Service Officer, Maintenance NCOIC, amongst other duties. He planned the units first ever exercise at Ft. McCoy, WI.
In 2017, SSG Penaluna was assigned to the 244th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ as the unit supply sergeant. While at the Brigade he also serves as the Anti-terrorism officer, Environmental Officer, and Equal Opportunity Officer. He assisted the Brigade and down trace battalions in preparations for their deployment to Afghanistan.
In 2018, SSG Penaluna was assigned to the 2-309th Training Support Battalion at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. He was promoted to Sergeant First Class in 2018 and joined the unit at Ft. Hood, TX for their yearlong Mobilization. He has served as the BN S4 NCOIC, BN S3 NCOIC, Equal Opportunity Officer, Anti-Terrorism Officer, Casualty Assistance Officer, and Observer/Controller Trainer. He has assisted in setting up several training mission and Mobilizations for the Battalion.
SFC Penaluna’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal; the Army Commendation Medal (2OLC); the Army Achievement Medal (2OLC); the Army Good Conduct Medal (4OLC); the National Service Defense Medal (2OLC); the Armed Forces Reserve Medal; the Meritorious Unit Commendation; the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2OLC); the Southwest Asia Service Medal w/Star; and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
SFC Penaluna’s military education included Unit Supply Specialist SLC, Air Advisor Course (USAF), Unit Movement Officer Deployment Planning, SEJPME II Course, GCSS-Army 4.0 Operator Course, Anti-Terrorism Officer Basic Course, Equal Opportunity Leader Course, USAR Training Plan Development Course, Reserve Component Mobilization Planner Course, Counter Improvised Explosive Device Course, and the First Army Academy. – He also holds the Certified Logistics Associates Certification.
SFC Penaluna is married to Skyler Hendricks from Boise, ID. They have three children Kadence (16), Milli (8), and Zandra (6) who all reside in Boise, ID.
