Polk County honors fallen soldier Major Cody Khork

Community prepares to welcome home the U.S. Army Reserve officer killed in the line of duty

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:20am

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U.S. Army Reserve Major Cody A. Khork, 35, will be honored with a solemn homecoming procession in Polk County on Wednesday, March 18, after being killed while serving in the Middle East. Khork's remains are expected to arrive at Lakeland Linder International Airport around 1 p.m. before a law enforcement and military escort brings him to the funeral home in Winter Haven.

Why it matters

Major Khork is being remembered as a hometown hero and leader who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. His death has deeply impacted the Polk County community, which is coming together to pay their respects and honor his legacy.

The details

Khork, a 2008 graduate of Lake Region High School, served as a Military Police officer in the Army Reserve. He was recently promoted posthumously from Captain to Major. Khork's soon-to-be fiancée, Meghan, who was also deployed to the Middle East, escorted his body back to the United States.

  • Major Khork's remains are expected to arrive at Lakeland Linder International Airport around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18.
  • The procession from the airport to the Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Winter Haven is expected to take about 2 hours.
  • Khork's visitation is planned for Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m. until noon at the Winter Haven Worship Center, followed by his funeral.
  • Major Cody Khork will be buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on Monday, March 23.

The players

Major Cody A. Khork

A 35-year-old U.S. Army Reserve officer who was killed in the line of duty while serving in the Middle East. He was a 2008 graduate of Lake Region High School and served as a Military Police officer.

Meghan

Khork's soon-to-be fiancée, who was also deployed to the Middle East and escorted his body back to the United States.

Sheriff Grady Judd

The Polk County Sheriff who said deputies will remain with Khork from the time his plane touches down until he is laid to rest, and that Khork 'is a hero' who 'died in order that we can live in a free and democratic society.'

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What they’re saying

“This man is a hero, and he died in order that we can live in a free and democratic society. He did what was asked of him and his country.”

— Sheriff Grady Judd

What’s next

On Monday, March 23, deputies are expected to escort Major Khork to Bushnell National Cemetery in Sumter County for burial, where he will be given his final resting place with military honors.

The takeaway

Major Cody Khork's sacrifice has deeply impacted the Polk County community, which is coming together to honor his legacy as a hometown hero and leader who gave his life in service to his country. His procession and funeral will be a solemn and meaningful tribute to a fallen soldier.