ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- Lt. Col. (P) Mark A. Penfold, Command Chaplain for the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, was promoted to the rank of colonel during a ceremony held here, August 1.
ATEC's Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Peter D. Utley, hosted the promotion ceremony and praised Penfold for the positive impact his leadership and guidance has made to the quality of life for ATEC's military and civilian workforce. Utley recognized Penfold's dedication to the spiritual resiliency of both Soldiers and civilians as he promoted him to colonel during a ceremony conducted before friends, Family and colleagues at ATEC's headquarters building.
Among those in attendance was his wife, Robin, who assisted Utley in pinning on her husband's new rank, as well as his sister Ruth and her husband David, his two sons, John and Matthew, and their wives, Britney and Briana, and his granddaughter, Madelyn. His son John also served his country honorably while on active duty in the Army for six years.
Penfold is a native of Michigan City, Indiana and was commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate in 1986, and later entered active duty as a Chaplain in January 1995. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Grace College in Indiana. He also earned both the Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Theology degree from Grace Theological Seminary and a Master of Theology degree in Ethics from Duke University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Columbia International University.
His many military honors and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and two National Defense Medals. Penfold also earned the coveted Air Assault Badge.
Since his first assignment with the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum in New York, Penfold has served in chaplain positions throughout the U.S. Army. Penfold has been ATEC's command chaplain since December 2013.
Social Sharing