Youngest US Soldier Killed in Iran Attack Was Eagle Scout Who Helped Homeless

Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, died in a retaliatory strike by Iran against Operation Epic Fury in Kuwait.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:21pm

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Sgt. Declan Coady, a 20-year-old Army member from Des Moines, Iowa, was one of six soldiers killed in a March 1 drone strike by Iran in Kuwait. Coady was an Eagle Scout who had devoted his teenage years to community service, including building chairs for homeless youth centers as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Why it matters

Coady's death highlights the tragic human toll of the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, and the sacrifices made by young service members. His story also underscores how scouting can instill values of service and community engagement that stay with individuals throughout their lives.

The details

Coady enlisted in the Army in 2023 while attending Drake University. As an Eagle Scout, he led a group of volunteers to build 12 Adirondack chairs that were donated to the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers. Coady was known for his commitment to helping others, having completed over 100 hours of community service by the time he graduated high school.

  • Coady became an Eagle Scout in June 2020.
  • Coady enlisted in the Army in 2023.
  • Coady was killed in the March 1, 2026 drone strike in Kuwait.

The players

Sgt. Declan Coady

A 20-year-old Army member from Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike by Iran in Kuwait.

Paul O'Connell

Coady's former scout master, who described his dedication to community service.

Jacob Brown

A fellow scout who helped Coady with his Eagle Scout project and remembered him as a helpful leader.

Keira Coady

Coady's older sister, who expressed grief over his death.

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC)

The organization that received the chairs Coady built for his Eagle Scout project.

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What they’re saying

“He had a special place in his heart for kids, you know, understanding that there were kids out there that don't have the opportunities that he does. He was doing everything he could to help.”

— Paul O'Connell, Former Scout Master

“His impact was great.”

— Austin Neal, Community Engagement Coordinator, Iowa Homeless Youth Centers

“He was always nice, he was always helpful. Anytime anyone had a problem or a question, he was always one of the first people to help out.”

— Jacob Brown, Fellow Scout

“As his older sister, I can't quite comprehend it even now, but the only thing I can think is that I wish I had called him one more time and told him I loved him.”

— Keira Coady (ABC News)

What’s next

The military is investigating the circumstances surrounding the drone strike that killed Sgt. Coady and five other soldiers.

The takeaway

Sgt. Declan Coady's life and service exemplify the values of the Eagle Scout program - community engagement, leadership, and selfless dedication. His tragic death at just 20 years old underscores the human toll of ongoing global conflicts, and the lasting impact young people can have through acts of service.