Five Soldiers Killed During Operation Epic Fury

Jimmy ParkerMarch 5, 20264

What Happened in Port Shuaiba

On March 1, 2026, an unmanned aircraft system attack struck personnel supporting Operation Epic Fury at the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait. The Department of War initially announced four deaths from the 103rd Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines. Officials later confirmed a fifth fatality and reported a sixth service member believed to have died at the scene pending positive identification by the medical examiner. The incident remains under investigation, and details are being gathered while families are notified and supported.

Names and Ranks Released

The Department of War released the names of the soldiers who served with the 103rd Sustainment Command and died during the attack. The list includes Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, Sgt. Declan Coady, and Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien. Another soldier, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, is believed to be a casualty pending medical examiner confirmation. Each of these Americans answered the call to duty and paid the ultimate price while supporting logistics and sustainment operations overseas.

Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien’s Service Record

Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa, commissioned in the Army Reserve as a Signal Corps officer in 2012 and previously deployed to Kuwait in 2019. His decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device among others. O’Brien’s record shows steady service and commitment to supporting mission communications and readiness for deployed forces.

Other Fallen Soldiers and Backgrounds

Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, served in both the National Guard and Army Reserve with deployments to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay, and Poland. Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, had served since 2005 and deployed to Kuwait and Iraq. Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska, was a wheeled vehicle mechanic with prior deployments. Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, from Des Moines was posthumously promoted and served as an information technology specialist. Their combined experience highlights how Reserve soldiers support operations worldwide in crucial roles often unseen by the public.

Investigation and Accountability

The Department of War said the incident is under investigation. That will include how the unmanned aircraft system reached the port area and whether gaps existed in force protection, intelligence sharing, or base defense measures. Families deserve clear answers and the American people deserve accountability. A thorough and transparent investigation can identify failures and guide corrective steps to reduce the risk of similar attacks in the future.

Honoring the Fallen and Supporting Families

Military leaders publicly expressed deep sorrow and vowed support for the families, calling the soldiers brave ambassadors of American freedom. Words are not enough, but sincere condolences and full support to spouses, parents, children, and teammates are required. Americans can honor these service members by remembering their names, supporting veterans and military families, and insisting that the government protect those we send into harm’s way.

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JIMMY

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