What we know about the U.S. service members killed in the Iran war
What we know about the U.S. service members killed in the Iran war
The U.S. military confirmed the deaths of six service members during the recent operation that began with strikes on Iran by U.S. and Israeli forces. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks into neighboring regions. Among the casualties, five were Army reservists who perished in a drone strike at a Kuwait port on Sunday, according to officials. A sixth individual, Chief Warrant Officer Robert Marzan, is believed to have died at the site of the attack, the Defense Department reported.
Capt. Cody A. Khork, Winter Haven, Florida
Khork, a 35-year-old from Winter Haven, Florida, served in the National Guard since 2009 and was later commissioned as an Army Reserve military police officer. His friend Abbas Jaffer shared memories of their time together on Instagram, reflecting on their 16-year bond. “To my best friend, best man, and forever brother. I’m eternally grateful for the adventures, stories, and shenanigans we shared,” Jaffer wrote. He added, “You’re the kindest and best person I’ve ever known. There’s not enough words to describe how I feel,” before concluding, “RIP my brother. Until we meet again.”
Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Bellevue, Nebraska
Tietjens, who was 42 and from Bellevue, Nebraska, enlisted in the Army Reserve as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in 2006. Julius Melegrito, a martial arts instructor at Martial Arts International, highlighted Tietjens’ character. “He always made people feel welcome,” Melegrito said. Known for his “strict but friendly” demeanor, Tietjens often manned the dojo’s entrance at events. “He was the kind of person that gives,” Melegrito remarked. “He died giving for his country,” he added, emphasizing Tietjens’ dedication and positive impact on others.
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Amor, a 39-year-old from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, joined the National Guard in 2005 and transitioned to the Army Reserve in 2006. She had deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., praised Amor’s sacrifice on X, stating, “She made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.” The senator expressed solidarity with her family, saying, “Our hearts are with her loved ones and all those in our armed forces.”
Spc. Declan J. Coady, West Des Moines, Iowa
Coady, a 20-year-old from West Des Moines, Iowa, joined the Army Reserve in 2023. He was a student at Drake University, studying information systems, cybersecurity, and computer science. The university posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, calling him “a well-loved and highly dedicated student.” “He has bravely served in the U.S. Army Reserves since 2023 as an Information Technologies Specialist,” the post noted, highlighting his “incredibly bright future.” Coady’s sister Keira described him as smart, kind, and a cherished ROTC member, noting his love for gaming.
Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45
O’Brien, 45, was among the six service members who lost their lives. While specific details about his background were not provided, his death underscores the broader toll of the conflict. The tragedy has left families and communities in mourning, with heartfelt tributes shared across social media and official statements.
On March 1, the Coady family received devastating news as their son, Declan J. Coady, was injured in the airstrike and later succumbed to his wounds en route to the hospital. “After trying to check in, we heard nothing,” the family statement recounted. “We assumed he was just out of reach, but we knew something was wrong.” At 8 p.m., the doorbell rang, signaling the beginning of what they called “one of the worst nights of our lives.” Keira Coady remembered her brother as “reserved but passionate,” a “rock” in their lives and a cherished family member.
