Trump to Join Families for Return of Soldiers Killed in Middle East War

President Trump plans to attend the dignified transfer of six U.S. soldiers killed in action in the Middle East.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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President Donald Trump plans to join grieving families at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday for the dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. soldiers killed in the war in the Middle East. The six Army Reserve members, who were killed by a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, were all from the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa.

Why it matters

The dignified transfer ritual is considered one of the most somber duties of any commander-in-chief, as it returns the remains of U.S. service members killed in action. Trump has previously attended these ceremonies, saying it is 'the toughest thing I have to do' as president.

The details

The six soldiers killed were Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Capt. Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, and Sgt. Declan Coady. They were all members of the Army Reserve's 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides critical supplies and logistics support. They were killed just one day after the U.S. and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran.

  • The dignified transfer ceremony will take place on Saturday at Dover Air Force Base.
  • The six soldiers were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who plans to attend the dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base.

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor

One of the six U.S. soldiers killed in action in the Middle East.

Capt. Cody Khork

One of the six U.S. soldiers killed in action in the Middle East.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan

One of the six U.S. soldiers killed in action in the Middle East.

Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien

One of the six U.S. soldiers killed in action in the Middle East.

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

One of the six U.S. soldiers killed in action in the Middle East.

Sgt. Declan Coady

One of the six U.S. soldiers killed in action in the Middle East, who was posthumously promoted from specialist.

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What they’re saying

“These soldiers engaged in the most noble mission: protecting their fellow Americans and keeping our homeland secure.”

— Joni Ernst, Republican Senator from Iowa, combat veteran (wbal.com)

“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 (wbal.com)

“My baby brother, you are loved and I will hold onto all our memories and cherish them always in my heart.”

— Elizabeth Marzan, Sister of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan (wbal.com)

“He trained hard, he worked hard, his physical fitness was important to him. He loved being a soldier. He was also one of the most kindest people you would ever meet, and he would do anything and everything for anyone.”

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

“That commitment helped shape the course of his life and reflected the deep sense of duty that was always at the core of who he was.”

— Donna Burhans, James Khork, Stacey Khork, Family of Capt. Cody Khork (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This ceremony highlights the immense sacrifice made by U.S. service members and the profound grief felt by their loved ones. As the nation mourns these fallen heroes, it serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of honoring those who make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country.