A drone attack in Kuwait has claimed the lives of six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers, the Department of War confirmed Monday, leaving a trail of grief and unanswered questions as an investigation unfolds. The attack occurred at the Port of Shuaiba, targeting service members supporting Operation Epic Fury.
Among the fallen are Captain Cody Khork, 35, of Florida; Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, 39, of Minnesota; Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Nebraska; and Sergeant Declan Coady, just 20 years old, from Iowa. Two other soldiers’ identities are being withheld as their families are notified.
Lieutenant General Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve, expressed the profound sorrow felt throughout the force. He honored the soldiers’ fearless dedication and acknowledged the immeasurable sacrifice made not only by them, but by their families as well – a loss that will forever be etched in memory.
Captain Khork’s service began in 2009, evolving from a Multiple Launch Rocket System Specialist to a Military Police officer. He had already faced the challenges of deployment in Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay, and Poland, earning commendations for his dedication and skill.
Sergeant First Class Amor dedicated nearly two decades to service, joining the National Guard in 2005 before transitioning to the Army Reserve. Her deployments to Kuwait and Iraq demonstrated a commitment to duty, recognized with multiple Army Commendation Medals.
Sergeant First Class Tietjens, a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, had served in the Army Reserve since 2006, completing two prior deployments to Kuwait. His dedication was reflected in awards including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
The youngest of those identified, Sergeant Declan Coady, had only recently enlisted in 2023 as an Army Information Technology Specialist. He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant, a testament to his potential and sacrifice.
News of Sergeant Tietjens’ death resonated deeply in his home state of Nebraska, with Representative Don Bacon expressing his heartbreak. He remembered Tietjens as a dedicated defender of the nation, acknowledging the unimaginable pain felt by his loved ones.
In Iowa, gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand called for prayers for Sergeant Coady, a Drake student whose young life was tragically cut short. He extended gratitude for Coady’s service and ultimate sacrifice, recognizing the impact of the loss on the entire community.
Major General Todd Erskine, Commanding General of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, emphasized that these soldiers embodied the highest ideals of military service. He offered his deepest sympathy to their families and teammates, recognizing their bravery as a reflection of the heart of America.
The names of these soldiers – Khork, Amor, Tietjens, and Coady – will be remembered, their service honored, and their sacrifice never forgotten. They represent a profound loss for the nation, a stark reminder of the costs of service and the enduring courage of those who defend freedom.
