TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Department of War identified four of the military service members who were killed in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury.
According to the DoW, four of the deceased were Army Reserve soldiers. Their names are:
- Captain Cody A. Khork, 35, of Polk County, Florida
- Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
- Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
- Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa
The department said the four reservists were killed at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, when an unmanned aircraft struck their location.
“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General U.S. Army Reserve Command. “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten. “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.”
The four soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command out of Des Moines, Iowa.
According to the U.S. Army Reserve, Khork was enlisted as a multiple launch rocket system and fire direction specialist in the National Guard in 2009. He later served as an Army Reserve military police officer in 2014 and was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay in 2021, and Poland in 2024.
His accolades 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.
Khork’s social media lists him as a Winter Haven native, but he most recently resided in Lakeland. Military documents have him listed as being from both cities.
The City of Winter Haven put out a statement Tuesday evening expressing condolences for Khork’s family, friends and fellow service members.
According to the city, Khork graduated from Lake Region High School in 2008 and later attended Florida Southern College. City officials noted Khork’s “numerous medals and honors,” and said friends remember him as “the kind of person who looked out for other people around him — the type of friend who made it feel like no time had passed when you ran into him around town.”
“Winter Haven will remember Captain Khork with gratitude and honor,” the city wrote. “Please keep his family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Khork’s family also shared the following statement with 8 On Your Side:
“It is with profound sorrow and immense pride that we share these words about Cody, a man whose life was defined by devotion, character, and service. Cody was truly the life of the party, known for his infectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongside him and for everyone blessed to know him.
From an early age, Cody felt a calling to serve his country. He began that journey by enlisting in the Army Reserve and continued on a path of honor and leadership through Florida Southern College’s ROTC program. That commitment helped shape the course of his life and reflected the deep sense of duty that was always at the core of who he was.
Cody also possessed a great love for history and earned a degree in political science, pursuits that reflected both his sharp mind and his sincere appreciation for the principles and sacrifices that have shaped our nation. He was deeply patriotic and took great pride in serving something greater than himself.
Above all, Cody found the love of his life and carried that same devotion into both his personal life and his service to this country. He lived with purpose, loved deeply, and served honorably. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the example he set, and the love of country and family that defined him.“
So far, U.S. Central Command has confirmed six deaths in total. The other two service members have not been identified as of this report.
“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.”
Congressman Scott Franklin, who serves Florid’a 18th district, released the following statement:
Our entire community joins the Khork family in mourning the loss of CPT Cody A. Khork of Winter Haven, who was killed while serving our nation during Operation Epic Fury.
Capt. Khork, an Army Reserve officer assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, died March 1 in Kuwait during an attack on a U.S. command center. Five other American service members were also killed in the attack. They answered the call to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.
Please join me in lifting up their families, friends and fellow soldiers in prayer during this difficult time. We will never forget their sacrifice.