Omaha honors fallen Army Reserve soldier with procession

Master Sgt. Noah Tietjens killed by Iranian drone in Kuwait

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:45pm

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Residents of Omaha, Nebraska lined the streets to pay their respects as a procession carried the casket of Master Sgt. Noah Tietjens, an Army Reserve soldier who was killed by an Iranian drone in Kuwait earlier this month. The procession made its way to Forest Lawn Cemetery, where a visitation and burial were held.

Why it matters

The death of Master Sgt. Tietjens is a tragic reminder of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the sacrifices made by American service members. His procession through Omaha allowed the community to come together and honor his memory and service.

The details

The procession for Master Sgt. Tietjens traveled west on Sorensen Parkway in Omaha, with residents lining the streets to pay their respects. Members of the Omaha Fire Department saluted as the procession passed by, and people handed out American flags to those gathered. The procession then made its way to Forest Lawn Cemetery, where a visitation and burial were held.

  • The procession took place on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Master Sgt. Tietjens was killed by an Iranian drone earlier this month in Kuwait.

The players

Master Sgt. Noah Tietjens

An Army Reserve soldier who was killed by an Iranian drone in Kuwait earlier this month.

Bettie Spethman

A resident who handed out American flags to people along the procession route.

Omaha Fire Department

Members of the fire department saluted as the procession passed by.

Omaha Police Department

Officers led the procession and stopped traffic to allow it to pass.

Jason Underwood

A resident who held a sign and flag outside the Forest Lawn Cemetery to honor Master Sgt. Tietjens.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The procession for Master Sgt. Tietjens allowed the Omaha community to come together and honor the sacrifice of a local service member who lost his life in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It was a somber yet meaningful event that brought the city together in a time of grief.