US Soldiers Killed in Iran War Remembered as Devoted Parents, Reservists

Four service members, including one from Minnesota, died in a drone strike in Kuwait just days before returning home.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers, including Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait during the ongoing war with Iran. The other victims were Capt. Cody Khork of Florida, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens of Nebraska, and Sgt. Declan Coady of Iowa, who was posthumously promoted. They were all assigned to logistics units that provided critical supplies to troops.

Why it matters

The deaths of these reservists highlight the ongoing human toll of the conflict with Iran, which has already claimed several American lives. Their service and sacrifice as parents, spouses, and community members underscores the personal impact of war on military families across the country.

The details

The soldiers were just days away from returning home when the drone strike occurred. Sgt. 1st Class Amor, a mother of two, was moved to a less-protected shipping container-style building shortly before the attack due to fears the main base could be targeted. Capt. Khork was described as deeply patriotic, while Sgt. Tietjens was remembered as a loving father and martial arts instructor. Sgt. Coady, one of the youngest in his class, was studying cybersecurity and hoping to become an officer.

  • The drone strike that killed the soldiers occurred on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • The U.S. and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran the day before, on Saturday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor

A 39-year-old Army Reserve soldier from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, who was a mother of two and an avid gardener.

Capt. Cody Khork

A 35-year-old Army Reserve officer from Winter Haven, Florida, who was described as deeply patriotic and drawn to military service from a young age.

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

A 42-year-old Army Reserve soldier from Bellevue, Nebraska, who was married with a son and was an instructor in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo.

Sgt. Declan Coady

A 20-year-old Army Reserve soldier from West Des Moines, Iowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist and was studying cybersecurity at Drake University.

Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll

The Secretary of the Army who paid tribute to the fallen soldiers.

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What they’re saying

“She was almost home. You don't go to Kuwait thinking something's going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts.”

— Joey Amor, Husband of Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor (am1100theflag.com)

“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

— Daniel Driscoll, Army Secretary (am1100theflag.com)

“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That's the way it is.”

— President Donald Trump (am1100theflag.com)

“He was very good at what he did.”

— Andrew Coady, Father of Sgt. Declan Coady (am1100theflag.com)

“I still don't fully think it's real. I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back.”

— Keira Coady, Sister of Sgt. Declan Coady (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

The Pentagon has not yet released the names of the two other U.S. soldiers killed in the drone strike. Their identities and details about their service are expected to be made public in the coming days.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of these reservists, who were serving their country while also being devoted parents and community members, underscores the human toll of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Their stories highlight the sacrifices made by military families across America during times of war.