Iowa Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Two Fallen Soldiers

Major Jeffery O'Brien and Sgt. Declan Coady killed in action in Kuwait

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa has ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff effective immediately until sunset on the final day of interment, in honor and remembrance of Major Jeffery O'Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa. Both were Army Reserve Soldiers with the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, and were killed in action on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.

Why it matters

The deaths of these two Iowa soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country is a somber occasion that calls for the state to come together in support of their families and to honor their memory.

The details

Governor Reynolds ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building, on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

  • The flags will be flown at half-staff effective immediately until sunset on the final day of interment.

The players

Governor Kim Reynolds

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

Major Jeffery O'Brien

A 45-year-old Army Reserve Soldier with the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in action in Kuwait.

Sgt. Declan Coady

A 20-year-old Army Reserve Soldier with the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in action 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.”

— Governor Kim Reynolds (Office of the Governor)

The takeaway

The loss of these two Iowa soldiers is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the military to protect our freedoms, and the state is coming together to honor their memory and support their families during this difficult time.