Ord, Nebraska Community Mourns Fallen Soldier

Sergeant First Class Nolan Tietjens, 42, died in Kuwait amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The close-knit community of Ord, Nebraska is grieving the loss of one of their own, Sergeant First Class Nolan Tietjens, who was killed in Kuwait amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Tietjens, 42, was originally from Ord before moving to Bellevue, and his passing has deeply impacted the town where many knew him or knew someone who did.

Why it matters

The death of Sergeant First Class Tietjens is a tragic loss for the small community of Ord, Nebraska, where he was from and where his family and friends still reside. His passing highlights the sacrifices made by service members and the ripple effect it has on their hometowns, especially tight-knit rural communities.

The details

Tietjens' family members told Omaha's News Leader that he came from Ord before moving to Bellevue. Community members and family did not want to go on camera, but residents told KETV that if they didn't know Tietjens directly, they knew someone who did. The pastor of a church that Tietjens' mother occasionally attends has become a conduit for aid and support within the community.

  • Sergeant First Class Nolan Tietjens, 42, died in Kuwait on an unspecified date.

The players

Nolan Tietjens

A 42-year-old Sergeant First Class in the U.S. military who was originally from Ord, Nebraska before moving to Bellevue.

Ord Police Department

The local police department in Ord, Nebraska that expressed sadness over Tietjens' passing and sent thoughts and prayers to his family.

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What they’re saying

“We're saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant First Class Nolan Tietjens and send thoughts and prayers to his family.”

— Ord Police Department (Facebook)

The takeaway

The loss of Sergeant First Class Nolan Tietjens has deeply impacted the tight-knit community of Ord, Nebraska, where he was from and where his family and friends still reside. His passing is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the profound effect it has on their hometowns, especially small rural communities.