Pentagon identifies four soldiers killed in March 1 drone strike during Kuwait military operation

All soldiers were assigned to 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa

The Department of War on Monday identified four of the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in a March 1 drone attack in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury, and officials said the incident remains under investigation.

The soldiers were killed at the Port of Shuaiba during what officials described as an unmanned aircraft system attack. All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, which provides logistical and operational support to U.S. forces overseas.

The fallen service members were identified as Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified.

Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command, said the loss is deeply felt across the force.

“We honor our fallen Heroes who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” Harter said. “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”

Officials said the soldiers were supporting operations in the region when the drone strike occurred.

Capt. Cody Khork and five other U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait March 1. (U.S. Army Reserve Command Press Desk)

Khork enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 as a multiple launch rocket system/fire direction specialist before commissioning as a military police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. He deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018; Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021; and Poland in 2024. His awards include the meritorious service medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 Year Device and “M” Device.

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Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor and five other U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait March 1. (U.S. Army Reserve Command Press Desk)

Amor joined the National Guard in 2005 as an automated logistics specialist and transferred to the Army Reserve the following year. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 and earned multiple commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.

Tietjens entered the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and completed two deployments to Kuwait in 2009 and 2019. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said on X he was heartbroken to learn of Tietjens’ death.

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Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens and five other U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait March 1. (U.S. Army Reserve Command Press Desk)

“A native of Bellevue, he dedicated his life to defending our country and protecting the freedoms we hold dear,” Bacon wrote. “No words can fully express the sorrow his family and friends are enduring during this unimaginable loss.

“Angie and I are praying for their healing and comfort in the days ahead. We also extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt. Declan Coady,” he added. “These four soldiers are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their courage and devotion to duty will never be forgotten.”

The youngest of the four identified soldiers, Coady enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an Army information technology specialist and was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

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Sgt. Declan Coady and five other U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait March 1. (U.S. Army Reserve Command Press Desk)

Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand also issued a statement.

“Iowa: please join me in praying for Declan Coady, a 20-year-old Army Reservist and Drake student, who was one of the lives lost among the escalating conflict in the Middle East,” the statement said. “Join me in also praying for his family and loved ones and for all the communities he was part of, and thanking him for his service and ultimate sacrifice.”

Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, said the soldiers’ service reflected the highest ideals of the military.

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“To the families and teammates of these Cactus Nation Soldiers: you have my deepest sympathy and my respect,” Erskine said. “Our nation is kept safe by folks like these – brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day. They represent the heart of America. We will remember their names, their service, and their sacrifice.”

The Department of War announced the death of four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were supporting Operation Epic Fury. The Soldiers died March 1, 2026 in Kuwait at the Port of Shuaiba, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa. The incident is under investigation.

“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General U.S. Army Reserve Command.

“On behalf of the Army Reserve, we express our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. We remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the legacy of our fallen and supporting their teammates and families during this difficult time,” said Harter.

The deceased are:

Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa

“To the families and teammates of these Cactus Nation Soldiers: you have my deepest sympathy and my respect,” said Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, commanding general, 79th Theater Sustainment Command. “Our nation is kept safe by folks like these — brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day. They represent the heart of America. We will remember their names, their service, and their sacrifice.”

“It with deep sadness and unyielding grief that we acknowledge and recognize our Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Our Soldiers relentlessly, consistently, and fearlessly served with sincere dedication and pride,” said Brig. Gen. Clint A. Barnes, deputy commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Operational Command Post. “They were the ultimate ambassadors for freedom. They represent the best of what our country stands for. May God grant their families peace and comfort in their memories. We will never forget them.”
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U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven,…

Capt. Cody Khork, a resident of Lakeland, Fla., enlisted as a 13P, Multiple Launch Rocket System/fire direction specialist in the National Guard in 2009. He commissioned as a military police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. He deployed to Saudia Arabia in 2018; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 2021; and Poland in 2024.

Khork’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 Year Device and “M” Device and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
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U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of…

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, a resident of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, enlisted in the National Guard as a 92A, automated logistics specialist in 2005. She transferred to the Army Reserve in 2006 and deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019.

Amor’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.
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U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of…

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a resident of Bellevue, Nebraska, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2006 as a 91B, wheeled vehicle mechanic. He had two deployments to Kuwait in 2009 and 2019.

Tietjens’ awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal With “M” Device.
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U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines,…

Pentagon identifies 4 of 6 U.S. soldiers killed in Iran war by drone strike in Kuwait

Four of the six U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran war were identified Tuesday by the Pentagon as members of the Army Reserve from different states who worked in logistics and kept troops supplied with food and equipment.

They died Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.

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Those killed were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist. No other names were released.

“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said.

All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.

“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of deaths.

Amor was just a few days away from returning home to her husband and two children when she was killed.

“You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts,” Joey Amor, her husband, said Tuesday.

Amor was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa from the peppers and tomatoes in her garden with her son, a senior in high school. She also enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter.

“If you needed anything she would just take care of it for you,” Joey Amor said. “She’s helped a lot of people through a lot of dark times, and brought a lot of light to this world.”

Coady’s LinkedIn page said he was a student at Drake University and an information technology specialist with the Army Reserve.

He said he had learned how to “interact with countless different kinds of people from all different backgrounds” through his service.

Coady became an Eagle Scout in 2020, according to a Facebook post from his West Des Moines troop. An Iowa organization that helps homeless children said he made 12 Adirondack chairs for the group.

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said he and his wife are mourning Tietjens’ death and praying for his family.

“May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family,” Ricketts said.

Tietjens was married with a son, according to a Facebook page. A photo online shows the couple with their son wearing a martial arts uniform.

There are several family photos on Facebook pages belonging to Amor and her husband, Joey Amor, including some images with a teen son.

Last November, Joey wrote a post expressing his love for Nicole.

“Even while you are on the other side of the world you found a way to make my birthday special,” he said. “I love you!”

GoFundMe For Fallen US Soldier Raises Over $50k in Less Than 24 Hours

A picture of Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who along with three other U.S. military personnel were killed as part of the Iran War. (GoFundMe)

Military.com | By Nick Mordowanec
Published March 04, 2026 at 1:10pm ET

A GoFundMe set up for fallen U.S. soldier Declan Coady has raised more than $50,000, receiving hundreds of donations with messages of heartbreak and solidarity for the service member and his family.

Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, and three other U.S. military personnel were formally identified Tuesday as casualties stemming from the United States’ attacks on Iran that began early last Saturday and remain ongoing, in partnership with Israeli forces, leading to regional instability and countless questions about what spurred the initial onslaught and whether there is a proverbial “end game” to the conflict.

Coady, who was posthumously promoted from specialist, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as a 25B (Army Information Technology Specialist).  According to the U.S. Army Reserve, his awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

This combination of images provided by the U.S. Army taken on May 16, 2025 shows, from top left, Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minn., Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Fla., and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Neb. (Sgt. Brent Newton/U.S. Army via AP)

As of 12:40 p.m. ET Wednesday, Coady’s GoFundMe had raised roughly $54,000 from 666 donations in the roughly 21 hours it had been active, with a goal of $75,000. The page calls Coady’s death “an unimaginable loss” for his family.

One individual named Travis Terrell who donated $50 said the following: “My heart truly goes out to Declan’s family and everyone who loved him. No family should ever have to experience a loss like this. You are in my thoughts, and Declan will not be forgotten.”

The largest donation so far came from a man identified as Daniel Buroker, who gave the family $10,000.

Military.com reached out for comment to Marianne Crandall, a member of Coady’s extended family, described as the organizer of the fundtraiser.

A GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed to Military.com that the fundraiser for Coady’s family is verified, adding, “Our Trust & Safety team is monitoring the platform for fundraisers for the other victims.”

Other US Heroes Honored

Along with Coady, Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Neb.; and Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minn., were all pronounced dead resulting from an unmanned aircraft system attack Sunday, March 1, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.

The incident remains under investigation, according to the Pentagon.

We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten – Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General U.S. Army Reserve Command, said in a statement.

“On behalf of the Army Reserve, we express our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. We remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the legacy of our fallen and supporting their teammates and families during this difficult time,” Harter added.

Also on Tuesday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the American soldier death toll has risen to six, following the recovery of the remains of two previously unaccounted-for troops from a facility struck early in the campaign.

Shock and Dismay to a Loving Family

The Coady fundraising page says the following:

Declan was more than a soldier—he was a son, a family member, a friend, and a light in the lives of those who knew him. He served his country with honor, courage, and dedication, embodying the very best of what it means to wear the uniform.

No family is ever prepared for the sudden loss of a child. During this incredibly difficult time, we are asking for support to help ease the financial burden facing the Coady family. Funds raised will assist with funeral and memorial expenses, travel costs, and other unexpected expenses as they navigate this heartbreaking time.

Andrew Coady talks about his son, Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, outside his home, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in West Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Coady told his father, Andrew, last week that he had been recommended for a promotion from specialist to sergeant, according to the Associated Press. The young soldier was one of the youngest in his class, but according to his father “was very good at what he did.”

The 20-year-old Coady reportedly trained as an IT specialist with the Army Reserves and was studying cybersecurity at Drake University in Des Moines, taking online classes while in Kuwait.

He wanted to become an officer, according to his father.

“I still don’t fully think it’s real,” Keira Coady told the AP. “I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back.”

Keira Coady holds a photo of her brother, Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, outside her home, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in West Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Drake University issued the following statement late Wednesday morning:

“We are heartbroken to learn that Declan Coady—a well-loved and highly dedicated Drake University student studying information systems, cybersecurity, and computer science—was confirmed to be among the six U.S. service members killed in Kuwait on Sunday.

“He has bravely served in the U.S. Army Reserves since 2023 as an Information Technologies Specialist and had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. In moments like these, we must all come together to show much-needed love and compassion for the Coady family through this incredibly difficult time.”