The U.S. Department of Defense has released the names of four of the six Army Reserve soldiers who lost their lives in a drone strike on March 1 in Kuwait. The attack occurred at the Port of Shuaiba while the troops were supporting Operation Epic Fury. Authorities confirmed that investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
The fallen soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, a unit responsible for providing logistics and operational support to U.S. forces deployed overseas.
Those identified 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
Two additional service members killed in the strike have not yet been publicly named.
Leaders Mourn the Loss
Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command, described the loss as devastating for the military community, honoring the soldiers for their courage and dedication. He emphasized that their sacrifice, along with the sacrifices of their families, will always be remembered.
Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, head of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, also extended condolences to the families and fellow soldiers, praising the fallen troops for embodying the highest values of military service.
Service Records and Backgrounds
Capt. Khork began his military career in 2009 with the National Guard before becoming a military police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. He previously deployed to Saudi Arabia, Guantánamo Bay, and Poland. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal, among others.
Sgt. 1st Class Amor enlisted in 2005 and later transferred to the Army Reserve. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 and earned several commendations for her service.
Sgt. 1st Class Tietjens joined the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and completed two prior deployments to Kuwait. His honors include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska expressed deep sorrow over Tietjens’ death, describing him as a dedicated patriot whose service will not be forgotten.
Sgt. Coady, the youngest among those identified, enlisted in 2023 as an information technology specialist. He was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Overseas Service Ribbon. Community members in Iowa have called for prayers and support for his family, noting he was also a student at Drake University.
Officials said the soldiers were engaged in regional operations when the unmanned aircraft system attack occurred. As the investigation continues, military leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to honoring the memory and service of the fallen troops.
Their names now join the long list of American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country abroad.