Iowa Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Fallen Soldiers

Major Jeffery O'Brien and Sgt. Declan Coady were killed in Iranian attack in Kuwait

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the state to honor two Iowa soldiers, Major Jeffery O'Brien and Sgt. Declan Coady, who were killed in an Iranian retaliatory strike in Kuwait on March 1st. Both were members of the Army Reserve's 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines.

Why it matters

The deaths of these two Iowa soldiers are a tragic loss for the state and highlight the ongoing tensions and dangers faced by U.S. troops deployed overseas. Governor Reynolds' order to lower flags is a solemn gesture to commemorate their service and sacrifice.

The details

Major Jeffery O'Brien, 45, was from Waukee, Iowa, and Sgt. Declan Coady, who would have turned 21 in May, was from West Des Moines. They were among six American soldiers killed in the Iranian attack in Kuwait on March 1st.

  • Flags will be flown at half-staff immediately and until further notice.
  • The two Iowa soldiers were killed in an Iranian attack on March 1st.

The players

Kim Reynolds

The Governor of Iowa who ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the fallen soldiers.

Major Jeffery O'Brien

A 45-year-old Iowa Army Reserve soldier with the 103rd Sustainment Command who was killed in the Iranian attack in Kuwait.

Sgt. Declan Coady

A 20-year-old Iowa Army Reserve soldier with the 103rd Sustainment Command who was killed in the Iranian attack in Kuwait.

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What they’re saying

“Our hearts are broken by the deaths of Major Jeffrey O'Brien and Sgt. Declan Coady, two brave Iowa soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom and peace. On behalf of a grateful state, Kevin and I offer our prayers and condolences for their families, and we ask all Iowans to stand united in support of our fallen soldiers and those who loved them.”

— Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa (kaaltv.com)

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of these two Iowa soldiers in the ongoing conflict with Iran serve as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military, and the importance of honoring their service and memory.