The U.S. Army Reserve has now identified four of them — marking a devastating moment for their families and the nation.
The fallen service members
The Department of Defense confirmed overnight on March 3 that three men and one woman were killed during Operation Epic Fury, a major military campaign launched last weekend by the United States under President Donald Trump, alongside Israel.
The troops were killed at the Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, in what officials said was an attack involving an unmanned aircraft system. All four were part of the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, a unit responsible for providing logistical and operational support to U.S. forces deployed overseas.
According to the Army Reserve, those killed 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
In an official statement, Lt. Gen. Robert Harter said:
“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”
He added:
“On behalf of the Army Reserve, we express our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.”
Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine echoed that sentiment, calling the fallen troops “the heart of America,” and stating:
“Our nation is kept safe by folks like these—brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day.”
Brig. Gen. Clint A. Barnes also paid tribute, saying:
“They were the ultimate ambassadors for freedom. They represent the best of what our country stands for.”
Who they were
The Army Reserve release highlighted each service member’s career and service:
Capt. Cody Khork enlisted in 2009 and later became a Military Police Officer. He deployed to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay, and Poland, earning numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor joined the National Guard in 2005 and later transferred to the Army Reserve. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq and was recognized with multiple service and achievement medals.
Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and completed two deployments to Kuwait, earning both commendation and campaign medals during his career.
Sgt. Declan Coady, just 20 years old and the youngest of the four identified soldiers, enlisted in 2023 as an Army Information Technology Specialist and was posthumously promoted from specialist following his death.
Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand also released a statement addressing the tragedy.
“Iowa: please join me in praying for Declan Coady, a 20-year-old Army Reservist and Drake student, who was one of the lives lost among the escalating conflict in the Middle East,” the statement said. “Join me in also praying for his family and loved ones and for all the communities he was part of, and thanking him for his service and ultimate sacrifice.”
The loss of these four service members underscores the human cost of escalating global conflict — one paid not in headlines, but in lives. RIP, Cody, Nicole, Declan and Noah!