URGENT UPDATE: The Pentagon has just confirmed the names of the last two U.S. soldiers killed in a deadly drone strike in Kuwait, bringing the total to six. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, from Sacramento, California, and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, from Indianola, Iowa, were identified Wednesday. This tragic event unfolds amid escalating tensions in the region following a recent military campaign by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
The drone strike occurred on Sunday at a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, a location that has become increasingly volatile as Iran retaliates with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. allies in the Gulf. Marzan was reportedly present at the scene of the attack and is believed to have perished there, as stated by the Pentagon. A medical examiner will provide final confirmation of his identity.
Four other soldiers were previously named on Tuesday. They include: 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. This incident marks a somber moment for the military community, which is still grappling with the implications of this tragic loss.
President Donald Trump has expressed his condolences, stating, “Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is.” He is scheduled to attend the dignified transfer ceremony for the fallen soldiers upon their return to the U.S., a ritual that honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The emotional toll of this attack is profound. Sgt. 1st Class Amor was just days away from returning home to her husband and children. Her husband, Joey Amor, shared, “You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first — it hurts.” Amor was known for her passion for gardening and spending time with her family, a heart-wrenching reminder of the lives affected by this conflict.
Sgt. Declan Coady was a rising star in the military, recently recommended for a promotion to sergeant posthumously. His father described him as one of the kindest individuals, dedicated to both his family and his service. “He loved being a soldier,” Andrew Coady said, reflecting on his son’s commitment and aspirations.
The families of the fallen soldiers are left to navigate their grief amidst this chaos. Capt. Cody Khork’s family revealed his deep sense of duty and commitment to service, stating, “That commitment helped shape the course of his life.” His infectious spirit and generous heart will be remembered by those he served alongside.
Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, who had previously served in Kuwait, was known for his discipline and leadership. His cousin, Kaylyn Golike, called for prayers for Tietjens’ family, emphasizing the heartbreak felt by many. “We lost a brave soldier this weekend and many hearts are broken,” she wrote on social media.
As the situation develops, the Pentagon and military officials are closely monitoring the region’s security landscape. With tensions running high, the tragic loss of these soldiers underscores the ongoing risks faced by U.S. forces abroad. The nation mourns, while families are left with an unimaginable void.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds. The impact of this tragedy resonates deeply across communities and highlights the sacrifices made by those who serve.
