Iowa Communities Rally Around Fallen Reservists

Locals mourn the loss of six Des Moines-based soldiers killed in Middle East strike

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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As Iowa mourns the deaths of six Des Moines-based reservists killed in a strike in Kuwait, loved ones and veterans are coming together to support each other through the grief. The soldiers were part of the local community, serving as fathers, sons, neighbors and more beyond their military roles, and their loss is deeply felt.

Why it matters

The death of these six local reservists has hit Iowa's close-knit military and civilian communities hard, as the victims were integrated into daily life in ways active-duty members often aren't. This tragedy has prompted an outpouring of shared grief and a call for veterans and residents to lean on each other during this difficult time.

The details

The six U.S. service members killed in the Middle East strike were all part of a unit based in Des Moines. Friends and local leaders say the soldiers are being remembered not just for their service, but for the roles they played as fathers, sons, neighbors and community members. One lawmaker who previously owned a dance studio where Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien brought his children described him as 'the kind of friend and father and husband that anybody would want' - a calm, reliable presence who was always willing to volunteer.

  • The six soldiers were killed in a strike in Kuwait over the weekend.

The players

Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien

A local soldier known as a devoted father, friend and community member.

Rep. Brooke Boden

A former dance studio owner who knew Maj. O'Brien and his family.

Karl Lettow

A veteran who now works for the state-level Department of Veterans Affairs.

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What they’re saying

“'Jeff was exactly the kind of friend and father and husband that anybody would want.'”

— Rep. Brooke Boden, Former dance studio owner (weareiowa.com)

“'Jeff wasn't just a soldier, but he was a dad and he was a husband, and he was a friend, and he was somebody's child. Remembering that as we go through grief, and remembering that he was here fighting for my freedom, my protection, putting that at risk every day, and willfully doing that. That's something that he was very proud of.'”

— Rep. Brooke Boden, Former dance studio owner (weareiowa.com)

“'We just want them to know that there's hope at the end of this tunnel when the time comes.'”

— Karl Lettow, Veteran, state Department of Veterans Affairs (weareiowa.com)

“'Talk to other vets. Nobody can relate to a veteran like another veteran. So call them, even if it's just something you need to talk to. Your peers are some of your best support, or your veteran service groups.'”

— Karl Lettow, Veteran, state Department of Veterans Affairs (weareiowa.com)

What’s next

The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs is urging veterans to reach out to one another for support during this difficult time.

The takeaway

This tragedy has brought Iowa's close-knit military and civilian communities even closer together, as they lean on each other to process their shared grief over the loss of six local reservists who were integral parts of their neighborhoods and daily lives.