Army Captain Killed in Iranian Drone Strike Remembered as "Natural-Born Leader"

Parents of Capt. Cody Khork honor his "giving soul" after he was killed in Kuwait attack

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The parents of Army Reserve Capt. Cody Khork are remembering their son as a leader with a "giving soul" after he was killed during an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait. Khork was one of six U.S. service members killed in the attack, which came a day after joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes set off Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East. Khork's parents described him as a "natural-born leader" who had a positive impact on those around him throughout his life.

Why it matters

The death of Capt. Khork and five other U.S. service members in the Iranian drone strike highlights the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the human toll of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Khork's parents' tribute to their son's character and leadership provides a personal perspective on the impact of these events.

The details

Khork was killed on March 1 in a retaliatory Iranian drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, one day after joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes launched Operation Epic Fury in the region. In addition to Khork, five other U.S. service members were killed in the attack, and a seventh died of injuries from an Iranian attack on troops in Saudi Arabia the same day.

  • Khork was killed on March 1, 2026 in the Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
  • The drone strike came one day after joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes launched Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East.

The players

Cody Khork

Army Reserve Captain who was killed in the Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.

James Khork

Cody Khork's father, who described his son as a "natural-born leader" with a "giving soul".

Stacey Khork

Cody Khork's stepmother, who recounted meeting President Trump and the First Lady at the dignified transfer of remains for the fallen service members.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who attended the dignified transfer of remains for the fallen service members at Dover Air Force Base.

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who attended the dignified transfer of remains for the fallen service members at Dover Air Force Base.

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What they’re saying

“Cody was larger than life. He had a giving soul and, in my opinion, he was a natural-born leader.”

— James Khork, Cody Khork's father (Fox & Friends)

“They were very down-to-earth. They were saddened and genuine. That was very nice.”

— Stacey Khork, Cody Khork's stepmother (Fox & Friends)

What’s next

The U.S. military is expected to continue its investigation into the Iranian drone strike that killed Capt. Khork and five other service members.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Capt. Cody Khork and his fellow service members underscores the human toll of the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and the importance of honoring the sacrifice of those who serve their country.