Ord Community Honors Fallen Soldier Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

Residents gather with flags, ribbons and flowers to support Tietjens' family after his death in Operation Epic Fury.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The community of Ord, Nebraska is rallying around the family of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, one of the first soldiers killed in Operation Epic Fury. Residents have placed flags, flowers, and ribbons around the homes of Tietjens' parents to show their support, and a GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family. Community members describe Tietjens as a young man deeply dedicated to his work and loved by those who knew him.

Why it matters

Tietjens' death is a tragic loss for the tight-knit Ord community, where he grew up. The outpouring of support from neighbors and friends highlights the importance of honoring fallen soldiers and their families, especially in small towns where the impact of such losses is deeply felt.

The details

Residents in Ord have been actively coordinating tributes and deliveries to Tietjens' family, including tying ribbons and placing them around the courthouse, as well as delivering flowers, wind chimes, and other items. Community members say Tietjens' mother, Glenda, has reached out to them, and they are doing what they can to support the family during this difficult time.

  • Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens was one of the first soldiers killed in Operation Epic Fury.
  • Tietjens' remains are expected to arrive in the United States in Delaware, where his family will be present.

The players

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

A young soldier from Ord, Nebraska who was killed in Operation Epic Fury, one of the first casualties of the conflict.

Glenda Tietjens

The mother of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, who has reached out to community members for support following her son's death.

Carol Philbrick

A community member in Ord whose son grew up with Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens.

Christy Oestereich

A community member in Ord who is coordinating tributes and deliveries to the Tietjens family.

Megan Cargill

A community member in Ord who was contacted by Glenda Tietjens after the news of her son's death broke.

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What they’re saying

“When we found out he was gone, it broke our hearts. He was just a young man who was very dedicated to what he put his heart into. He was very excited and loved martial arts.”

— Carol Philbrick, Community member (1011now.com)

“They [Tietjens family] knew that they were going to be back in Delaware when he arrived in the states. And she knew that was going to be a hard time.”

— Christy Oestereich, Community member (1011now.com)

“Glenda had reached out to me, and I was taken back by what she was telling me. And all I could do is offer what I could at the moment.”

— Megan Cargill, Community member (1011now.com)

“We tied ribbons and put them around the courthouse.”

— Mary Sevenker, Community member (1011now.com)

“Whatever people want, we will put it together and deliver it. We've delivered flowers, wind chimes, and more.”

— Christy Oestereich, Community member (1011now.com)

What’s next

Tietjens' remains are expected to arrive in the United States in Delaware, where his family will be present.

The takeaway

The outpouring of support from the Ord community for the Tietjens family highlights the importance of honoring fallen soldiers and their loved ones, especially in tight-knit small towns where the impact of such losses is deeply felt. The community's efforts to coordinate tributes and deliveries to the family demonstrate the power of a community coming together in times of tragedy.