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The Pentagon Identifies Final Two Soldiers Killed in Kuwait Drone Strike
The Pentagon on Wednesday released the names of the final two U.S. soldiers killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, identifying them as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa.
They were among six Army Reserve soldiers who died Sunday when a drone hit their command center at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. The attack came just one day after the United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran, which responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel and several Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. forces.
The Pentagon statement indicated that Marzan was at the scene during the strike and is “believed to be the individual who perished at the scene.” A medical examiner will confirm the identification.
Public records suggest Marzan had been living in Virginia but had family in the Sacramento area. California Governor Gavin Newsom and acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis issued statements honoring Marzan, describing him as “a courageous Californian whose service to our nation was marked by honor and distinction.” They announced flags at the state Capitol would remain at half-staff in his memory.
Marzan’s sister, Elizabeth, remembered him on social media as a “strong leader” and loving husband, father, and brother, writing: “My baby brother, you are loved and I will hold onto all our memories and cherish them always in my heart.”
O’Brien, who was promoted to major in August 2024, had served in the Army Reserve for nearly 15 years. In civilian life, he worked as a manager of defensive cyber operations at an Iowa-based cybersecurity company, building on a two-decade career in information and cybersecurity. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was a signal officer and information systems engineer in the military.
O’Brien’s aunt, Mary Melchert, described him in a social media post as “the sweetest blue-eyed, blonde farm kid you’d ever know,” adding that “he is so missed already.” He is survived by his wife and children.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement offering prayers and condolences for the families of both Iowa soldiers killed in the attack. “Our hearts are broken by the deaths of Major Jeffrey O’Brien and Sergeant Declan Coady, two brave Iowa soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom and peace,” Reynolds said.
The four other soldiers previously identified were Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska.
All six soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, a logistics unit responsible for providing essential supplies including food, fuel, water, ammunition, and equipment to military operations.
Amor was just days away from returning home to her husband and two children when the attack occurred. “She was almost home,” her husband Joey Amor said. “You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen.” According to her husband, Amor had been moved off-base to a shipping container-style building without defenses about a week before the attack, as military officials believed splitting into smaller groups in separate locations would be safer.
Amor, an avid gardener, enjoyed making salsa from homegrown peppers and tomatoes with her high school senior son and loved rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter.
Coady, who received a posthumous promotion from specialist to sergeant, was checking in with family regularly from Kuwait after tensions escalated following the U.S. and Israeli military operation against Iran. His father, Andrew Coady, became concerned when his son stopped responding to messages on Sunday.
An Eagle Scout who impressed his military instructors, Coady was studying cybersecurity at Drake University in Des Moines while serving in the Army Reserve. “He trained hard, he worked hard, his physical fitness was important to him. He loved being a soldier,” his father said. “He was also one of the kindest people you would ever meet, and he would do anything and everything for anyone.”
Khork had harbored ambitions of military service since childhood, according to his family. Described as “the life of the party” with an “infectious spirit” and “generous heart,” he enlisted in the Army Reserve and joined Florida Southern College’s ROTC program. His friend of 16 years, Abbas Jaffer, wrote on Facebook: “My best friend, best man, and brother gave his life defending our country overseas.”
Tietjens, who came from a military family, had previously served alongside his father in Kuwait. A martial arts expert with black belts in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo, he was remembered as a dedicated instructor and mentor. Army Staff Sgt. Jeff Coleman told local news station KETV, “You could call him day or night. He always took the time, you know, he made you feel important.”
President Donald Trump, commenting on the soldiers’ deaths, said: “Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is.” The White House announced that Trump will attend the dignified transfer ceremony when the soldiers’ remains arrive in the United States, a solemn ritual honoring service members killed in action.
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18 Comments
A tragic loss of life. My condolences go out to the families and loved ones of these brave soldiers. Their service and sacrifice for our country will not be forgotten.
Agreed. We must honor their memory and continue to support our military personnel and their families during these difficult times.
This is a somber reminder of the ongoing dangers our military personnel face, even in times of relative calm. We must never take their service and sacrifice for granted.
Well said. Our gratitude and support for our troops and their families should be unwavering, especially in the face of such tragic losses.
This is a sobering reminder of the dangers our military personnel face, even in supposedly secure locations. We must continue to prioritize their safety and well-being.
Absolutely. Ensuring the highest levels of security and preparedness for our troops should be a top priority for our government and military leadership.
The timing of this attack, coming just a day after the US-Israel military campaign against Iran, is concerning. I hope the investigation can determine if there is any connection.
That’s a fair point. The geopolitical context is crucial to understanding the potential motives and origins of this tragic event.
I appreciate the Pentagon’s swift action in identifying and honoring these fallen soldiers. Their sacrifice for our country must never be forgotten.
Agreed. Timely and respectful recognition of our service members is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their bravery.
I hope the investigation into this attack will provide some clarity and closure for the families of the fallen soldiers. Their service and sacrifice deserve our utmost respect.
Agreed. Transparency and accountability are crucial in these matters, both for the families and for the broader public.
The loss of these six soldiers is a heavy blow. My heart goes out to their families and communities as they grieve these tragic deaths.
Well said. The human toll of these conflicts is always the most devastating. We must support the families and loved ones left behind.
The details of this attack are deeply concerning. I hope the Pentagon’s investigation will shed light on what happened and ensure the safety of our troops going forward.
Absolutely. Transparency and accountability are crucial in these matters. We must learn from this tragedy to better protect our service members.
My heart goes out to the communities of Sacramento and Indianola, who have lost beloved members. These soldiers deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
Well said. Local communities often bear the brunt of such losses, and we must rally around them in their time of grief.