Chief Warrant Officer Five John E. Penny Jr. was born in Albany, New York, and a native of Salem, New Jersey. He graduated from Salem County High School in June 1985. CW5 Penny enlisted in the Army in October 1984 as a 94B Food Service Specialist. In July 1985, he entered Active Duty and completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training. He later changed Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) to 95C, Correction Specialist, 93H, Air Traffic Controller Tower Operator, 93C, Air Traffic Control Operator, 92Y, Supply Specialist,79V, Retention and Transition NCO, and 920A, Property Accounting Technician. CW5 Penny’s military career spans over four decades.
His duty assignments include United States Army Reserve Careers Group (Present); United States Army Reserve Command, Fort Bragg, NC, from 2022-2025; 84th Training Command, Fort Knox, KY, from 2020-2022; 157th Infantry Brigade, Camp Atterbury, IN, from 2017-2020; 926th Engineer Brigade, Montgomery, AL from 2014-2017; 4th Calvary Brigade, Fort Knox, KY from 2013-2014; 2nd Battalion-502nd Brigade, Fort Campbell, KY from 2012; 4th Calvary Brigade, Fort Knox, KY from 2010-2012; 308th Quartermaster Battalion, Evansville, IN from 2005-2010; 1st Battalion-411th Regiment, Fort Knox, KY from 2000-2004; 1287th Logistical Support Battalion, Ft. Knox, KY from 1996-1999; 2nd Battalion-345th Regiment, Louisville, KY from 1994-1997; 87th Division, Louisville, KY from 1993-1994; 100th Maneuver Training Command, Louisville, KY from 1990-1993, 2nd Battalion-58th Aviation Regiment, Fort Riley, KS from 1988-1990; and US Army MP Activity, Fort Knox, KY 1985-1988.
CW5 Penny’s mobilizations and deployments include Operation Nobel Eagle (2002-2005) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2012).
His military education includes Warrant Officer Senior Service Education, Warrant Officer Intermediate Level Education, Warrant Officer Advance Course, Warrant Officer Basic Course, Warrant Officer Candidate School, Senior Leadership Course, Advanced Leadership Course, Warrior Leadership Course, United States Army Reserve Force Management Course, Army Basic Instructors Course, Property Book Managers Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course. CW5 Penny’s civilian education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources from Western Kentucky University, an Associate’s Degree in Arts, and an Associate’s in Science from the University Of Kentucky Elizabethtown Community College, and credits towards a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management.
CW5 Penny’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (Silver OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2nd OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4th OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Commendation Medal (3rd OLC), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (w/Bronze Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (w/Silver Hourglass, “M” Device 3nd award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, NATO Medal, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Superior Unit Award, Aviation Badge, Combat Action Badge, and Distinguished Order of St. Martin.
He is married to his lovely wife of 36 years, Mrs. Julie C. Penny. They have three children Dr. Christina M. Penny, SGT Cody D. Penny, and Mrs. Heather C. Carwile. CW5 Penny and Julie have three grand-daughters, Ivy, Penny, and Ellie and one grand-son Issac.
Logistician On A Mission!