Four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers Killed in Kuwait Drone Strike

Fallen heroes served in Operation Epic Fury military mission

Mar. 4, 2026 at 2:08am

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The Department of War has identified four of the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in a March 1 drone attack in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury. The soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa and were killed at the Port of Shuaiba during what officials described as an unmanned aircraft system attack.

Why it matters

The loss of these four soldiers is deeply felt across the U.S. Army Reserve force, as they served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of the nation. Their sacrifice and the sacrifices of their families will never be forgotten.

The details

The four soldiers killed were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified. The soldiers were supporting operations in the region when the drone strike occurred.

  • The drone attack occurred on March 1, 2026.

The players

Department of War

The U.S. government agency responsible for national defense and military operations.

103rd Sustainment Command

A U.S. Army Reserve unit based in Des Moines, Iowa that provides logistical and operational support to U.S. forces overseas.

Capt. Cody Khork

A 35-year-old soldier from Lakeland, Florida who enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 and commissioned as a Military Police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014.

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor

A 39-year-old soldier from White Bear Lake, Minnesota who joined the National Guard in 2005 and later transferred to the Army Reserve.

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

A 42-year-old soldier from Bellevue, Nebraska who entered the Army Reserve in 2006 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic.

Sgt. Declan Coady

A 20-year-old soldier from Des Moines, Iowa who enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an Army Information Technology Specialist.

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What they’re saying

“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”

— Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command

“A native of Bellevue, he dedicated his life to defending our country and protecting the freedoms we hold dear. No words can fully express the sorrow his family and friends are enduring during this unimaginable loss.”

— Rep. Don Bacon, U.S. Representative from Nebraska

“Iowa: please join me in praying for Declan Coady, a 20-year-old Army Reservist and Drake student, who was one of the lives lost among the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Join me in also praying for his family and loved ones, and for all the communities he was part of, and thanking him for his service and ultimate sacrifice.”

— Rob Sand, Iowa gubernatorial candidate

What’s next

The Department of War said the incident remains under investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic loss of four brave U.S. Army Reserve soldiers highlights the ongoing dangers and sacrifices made by American service members deployed overseas in support of military operations. Their heroism and dedication to duty will be remembered and honored by their fellow soldiers, their communities, and a grateful nation.