Veteran of the Day — November 11, 2025
Corporal Brian J. Prening, United States Marine Corps
Today, we honor Corporal Brian James Prening, a brave Marine from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, who gave his life in service to his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Name: Brian James Prening
Date of Birth: July 1980
Hometown: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Branch: United States Marine Corps — 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division
Rank: Corporal
Date of Death: November 12, 2004 (Yusufiyah, Iraq)
Age: 24
Awards: Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor, Purple Heart
Brian’s Life Story
Brian Prening grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, alongside his twin brother, Bill, and his younger sister, Ann. At Plymouth High School, he was a standout athlete, participating in track and field, football, and wrestling. After graduating in 1998, he attended Lakeshore Technical College, where he earned an associate degree in Tool and Die Making.
In 1999, Brian sought a challenge beyond the ordinary and joined the United States Marine Corps with a few close friends. After completing boot camp, he served in the Marine Reserve and began working at Kohler Co. as a machine set-up man with his father. Known for his dedication and steady hand, Brian was admired by his coworkers. Before his deployment, he nominated his supervisor, Rick Tylla, for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) “Patriotic Employer” award — a nomination that led to formal recognition and a plaque presentation to Rick for his support of servicemembers.
Deployment & Heroism
In June 2004, Corporal Prening was recalled to active duty and deployed to Iraq. By then, he had married Amy Urning just two months earlier, becoming a devoted husband and father figure to her son, Alex. The newlyweds were also expecting their first child together, Brian Jr., when he received his deployment orders.
Serving as a team leader of a four-man fire team, Brian was stationed in the volatile “Triangle of Death,” a stretch of farmland south of Baghdad known for its relentless insurgent attacks. On November 12, 2004, while under heavy fire from more than 70 insurgents in Yusufiyah, Brian provided covering fire for his team. Two of his fellow Marines’ weapons had jammed, and while moving to help one of them clear his rifle, Brian was struck and fatally wounded. His selfless act of bravery saved lives that day, and he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor and the Purple Heart.
Legacy & Remembrance
Brian was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Following his death, his family worked to honor his memory through legislation that allowed Wisconsin hunters who had passed away to transfer their preference points to another child, giving new life to the dreams of young hunters who could not otherwise participate. In 2006, the law was officially passed, and the Prening family chose to donate Brian’s points to a boy with cerebral palsy, ensuring his legacy would continue in an act of compassion and community spirit.
In 2021, Corporal Prening was also honored during the Coca-Cola 600 Memorial Day NASCAR race, with his name displayed on the windshield of driver Ryan Newman’s car — a fitting tribute for a man who lived with courage, integrity, and heart.
A Life of Honor
Corporal Brian Prening embodied the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, and friend whose bravery in battle and kindness in life will never be forgotten.
Today, we remember his service, his sacrifice, and his example of quiet heroism that continues to inspire those who knew him.
The Micky Spano Show and mickyspano.com/ proudly honor Corporal Brian J. Prening, USMC, as our Veteran of the Day on this Veterans Day, November 11, 2025.
His courage reminds us that freedom endures because of those willing to defend it.
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