Family Honors Army Captain Killed in Kuwait with ROTC Scholarship

The Khork family creates an endowed scholarship at Florida Southern College to support future ROTC cadets.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:48pm

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The family of Army Captain Cody Khork, who was killed in a drone attack on a base in Kuwait, is honoring his legacy through a new ROTC scholarship at Florida Southern College, where Khork began his military journey. The college is creating an endowed scholarship that will support outstanding junior and senior ROTC cadets each year, ensuring Khork's commitment to service continues to inspire future leaders.

Why it matters

Khork's death in the line of duty was a tragic loss for his family and community. By establishing this scholarship, the Khorks are turning their unimaginable grief into a lasting legacy that will help shape the next generation of military officers and leaders.

The details

The Khork family gathered at Florida Southern College in Lakeland to announce the new scholarship in Cody's honor. The endowment will cover tuition, room and board for an outstanding ROTC cadet each year, with the criteria focused on finding a student who embodies Khork's values of service, duty and honor. The college says the response from the community has been overwhelming, with over 120 donors contributing within 72 hours of the announcement.

  • Khork was killed in an Iranian drone attack on a U.S. base in Kuwait shortly after the U.S. and Israel initiated airstrikes on Iran.
  • Khork attended Florida Southern College and was part of the school's ROTC program before becoming a commissioned Army officer.

The players

Cody Khork

An Army Captain who was killed in action during a drone attack on a U.S. base in Kuwait.

James Khork

Cody's father, a Marine veteran who said Cody's love for his country ran deep long before he put on the uniform.

Stacey Khork

Cody's stepmother, who said he was the kind of person who would make sure everyone at a party was having a good time.

Dr. Jeremy Martin

The President of Florida Southern College, which is creating an endowed scholarship in Cody's name.

Florida Southern College

The college where Cody Khork began his military journey through the ROTC program.

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What they’re saying

“As a father, there is no greater heartbreak than losing a son. With that said, there's also deep pride knowing who Cody was.”

— James Khork, Cody's father

“Cody loved this country with his whole heart. He believed in service, duty and honor of wearing the uniform of the United States Army.”

— Stacey Khork, Cody's stepmother

“Our son was someone who would see someone in the back of the room at the party and make sure they were the ones having a good time.”

— Stacey Khork, Cody's stepmother

What’s next

The endowment means the scholarship will carry on forever, and Khork's family hopes the students who receive it will carry forward the same values he lived by.

The takeaway

By establishing this scholarship, the Khork family is ensuring Cody's legacy of service and commitment to his country will continue to inspire future generations of military leaders and officers.