KCCI EIGHT NEWS STARTS WITH BREAKING NEWS. I ASK THAT WE BEGIN THIS EVENING WITH A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HIS HONOR. A POWERFUL MOMENT OF SILENCE TONIGHT AT DRAKE UNIVERSITY TO HONOR SERGEANT DECLAN CODY, THE 20 YEAR OLD WEST DES MOINES NATIVE WAS ONE OF SIX SOLDIERS KILLED IN KUWAIT SUNDAY AS PART OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST IRAN. THE FOUR MEMBERS IDENTIFIED WERE ASSIGNED TO THE 103RD SUSTAINMENT COMMAND, BASED IN DES MOINES. KCCI HAS TEAM COVERAGE TONIGHT. ABIGAIL CURTIN WAS AT DRAKE UNIVERSITY FOR A PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE MILITARY STRIKE ON IRAN. BUT FIRST, PURPURA IS LIVE OUTSIDE THE COMPANY WHERE THIS UNIT IS BASED. WITH HOW IOWA’S LEADERS ARE RESPONDING, PEPPER. STACY. SO THE DECLAN CODY WAS PART OF THE 103RD SUSTAINMENT COMMAND, AS YOU SAID. NOW THAT UNIT IS PRIMARILY CHARGED WITH HANDLING LOGISTICS. SO THINGS LIKE PROVIDING ARMED FORCES WITH FOOD, WATER, FUEL AND AMMUNITION. THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT THEY WERE ASSIGNED TO DO IN KUWAIT. WHEN IRAN DECIDED TO STRIKE. AN IRANIAN DRONE STRIKE ON A COMMAND CENTER IN PORT IN KUWAIT FOR AMERICAN SOLDIERS SUNDAY, INCLUDING SERGEANT DECLAN J. CODY OF WEST DES MOINES. CODY, HIS SISTER AND FATHER, SHARED PHOTOS WITH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. CODY ENLISTED AFTER GRADUATING VALLEY HIGH IN 2023. HE WAS ALSO A STUDENT AT DRAKE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL, HELD A MOMENT OF SILENCE DURING AN EVENT TUESDAY NIGHT. HE HAD AN INCREDIBLY BRIGHT FUTURE IN FRONT OF HIM, AND I ASK THAT WE BEGIN THIS EVENING WITH A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HIS HONOR. THE CHIEF OF ARMY RESERVE, LIEUTENANT GENERAL ROBERT HARTER, MADE A STATEMENT SAYING IN PART, ON BEHALF OF THE ARMY RESERVE, WE EXPRESS OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND LOVED ONES. WE REMAIN STEADFAST IN OUR COMMITMENT TO HONORING THE LEGACY OF OUR FALLEN AND SUPPORTING THEIR TEAMMATES AND FAMILIES DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. THERE’S ALSO BEEN AN OUTPOURING FROM IOWA’S LEADERS. GOVERNOR KIM REYNOLDS SAID TODAY, WE MOURN THE LOSS OF SERGEANT DECLAN CODY, A YOUNG IOWAN WHO HEROICALLY ANSWERED HIS CALL TO DUTY AND GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. KEVIN AND I ARE OFFERING OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND ASKING ALL IOWANS TO JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR THEIR HEALING AND COMFORT. REPRESENTATIVE AND AIR FORCE COMBAT VETERAN ZACH NUNN IS CODY FAMILY THROUGH THEIR LOSS. SO NOT ONLY ARE OUR PRAYERS WITH THE FAMILY HERE, BUT LET’S REALLY WRAP OUR ARMS AROUND THIS COMMUNITY WHO TODAY IS SUFFERING THE DIRECT REFLECTION OF IRAN’S ATTACK AGAINST AMERICAN TROOPS YET AGAIN, SENATOR CHUCK GRASSLEY SAID IN PART, THESE HEROES PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE TO PROTECT AGAINST THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE STATE SPONSOR OF TERRORISM, IRAN. AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. SENATOR AND IOWA NATIONAL GUARD COMBAT VETERAN JONI ERNST SAID IN PART. PLEASE JOIN ME IN LIFTING UP THE FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES OF THESE COURAGEOUS HEROES IN YOUR PRAYERS. THEY SERVED IN A NOBLE ENDEAVOR AND THEIR SACRIFICE IS ONE THAT CAN NEVER BE REPAID. AND THERE ARE MANY OTHER IOWA STATE LEGISLATORS AND LEADERS THAT ARE ALSO RESPONDING TO SERGEANT CODY’S DEATH. TONIGHT. YOU CAN FIND A FULL LIST OF THOSE STATEMENTS POSTED UNDER THIS STORY ON KCC
Iowa soldier among 6 US service members killed in Iranian strike in Kuwait
Updated: 10:45 PM CST Mar 3, 2026
The Pentagon has released the names of four service members who were killed Sunday in a drone strike in Kuwait, including a man from West Des Moines. All four Army Reserve soldiers were killed Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. That was just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran, which launched retaliatory strikes. Two others killed in the strike have not yet been identified. The Department of War identified the soldiers as:Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des MoinesFrom the U.S. Army Reserve: Coady enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as a 25B (Army Information Technology Specialist). Coady’s awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, FloridaFrom the U.S. Army Reserve: Khork enlisted as a 13P (Multiple Launch Rocket System / Fire Direction Specialist) in the National Guard in 2009. He commissioned as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. He deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021, and Poland in 2024. Khork’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 Year Device and “M” Device, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, MinnesotaFrom the U.S. Army Reserve: Amor enlisted in the National Guard as a 92A (Automated Logistics Specialist) in 2005. She transferred to the Army Reserve in 2006 and deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019. Amor’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska From the U.S. Army Reserve: Tietjens enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2006 as a 91B (Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic). He had two deployments to Kuwait in 2009 and 2019. Tietjens’ awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal With “M” Device. All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines. “Today, we mourn the loss of Sergeant Declan Coady, a young Iowan who heroically answered his nation’s call to duty and gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a news release. “Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences to his family and ask all Iowans to join us in prayer for their healing and comfort.” Coady was a 2023 graduate of West Des Moines Valley who enlisted in the Army Reserve that same year. He was a sophomore at Drake University.Coady became an Eagle Scout in 2020, according to a Facebook post from his West Des Moines troop. An Iowa organization that helps homeless children said he made 12 Adirondack chairs for the group.Coady had just told his father last week that he had been recommended for a promotion from specialist to sergeant, a rank he received posthumously.He was one of the youngest people in his class but seemed to impress his instructors, his father Andrew Coady said Tuesday.“He was very good at what he did,” he said.Coady trained as an information technology specialist with the Army Reserves and was studying cybersecurity at Drake University. He was taking online classes while in Kuwait and wanted to become an officer.“I still don’t fully think it’s real,” his sister Keira Coady said. “I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back.”Rep. Zach Nunn reacts to Iowa soldier killed in Kuwait from Iranian drone strikeCoady has been posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant. Coady’s awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General U.S. Army Reserve Command.“On behalf of the Army Reserve, we express our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. We remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the legacy of our fallen and supporting their teammates and families during this difficult time.”The news comes about 3 months after two Iowa National Guard soldiers were killed and three others were injured in an ambush in Syria. Staff Sgts. Nate Howard and Edgar Torres-Tovar died in that attack on Dec. 13, 2025. Both have been returned to Iowa and laid to rest. » Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayIran poses a ‘clear and direct threat’ to the U.S., Nunn saysIsrael steps up airstrikes in Tehran, as Iran widens its response across the region Israel said it launched airstrikes against Iranian missile launchers and a nuclear research site Tuesday, and Iran struck back against Israel and across the Gulf region, targeting U.S. embassies and disrupting energy supplies and travel.Four days into a war that President Donald Trump suggested would last several weeks or perhaps longer, nearly 800 people have been killed in Iran, including some Trump said he had considered as possible future leaders of the country.Explosions rang out Tuesday in Tehran and in Lebanon, where Israel said it retaliated against Hezbollah militants. The American embassy in Saudi Arabia and the U.S. consulate in the United Arab Emirates came under drone attacks. Iran has fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel, though most of the incoming fire has been intercepted. Eleven people in Israel have been killed since the conflict began.The spiraling nature of the war raised questions about when and how it would end.The administration has offered various objectives, including destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, wiping out its navy, preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensuring it cannot continue to support allied armed groups.While the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their government, senior administration officials have since said regime change was not the goal.Trump on Tuesday seemed to downplay chances of the war ending Iran’s theocratic rule, saying that “someone from within” the Iranian regime might be the best choice to take power once the U.S.-Israel campaign is finished.Rep. Zach Nunn discusses conflict with Iran after U.S. soldiers killed in drone strikeTrump says people the US had in mind to lead Iran are deadSpeaking Tuesday from the Oval Office, Trump said Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s toppled shah, is not someone that his administration has considered in depth to take over.As far as possible leaders inside Iran, “the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said.“I guess the worst case would be do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person, right? That could happen,” Trump said. “We don’t want that to happen.”Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years. It’s only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that a new supreme leader is being chosen. Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to reformists who seek diplomatic engagement.Iowans have a long history of serving in the U.S. armed forces, Rep. Zach Nunn saysIsrael and US strike nuclear facilities and other targets in IranInformation coming out of Iran has been limited because of poor communications, round-the-clock airstrikes and tight restrictions on journalists. But across Iran’s capital, aircraft were heard overhead, and explosions rang out.The Israeli military said it conducted a wave of airstrikes on sites that produce and store ballistic missiles, in Tehran and Isfahan. It also said it destroyed what it called Iran’s secret, underground nuclear headquarters. Without providing evidence, it said the site was used for scientific research “to develop a key component for nuclear weapons.”“The regime attempted to rebuild its efforts and conceal them, thinking we wouldn’t notice. They were mistaken,” said Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin.There was no immediate public comment from the U.S. or Iran about the site Israel named.Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June, though it has maintained its right to do so and says its nuclear program is peaceful.The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog said Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site had sustained “some recent damage,” though there was “no radiological consequence expected.” The U.S. hit Natanz during the 12-day war in June, when Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Iran’s nuclear program.Rep. Zach Nunn reflects on being a father and service member amid U.S. troops killed in Iran conflictFears rise in Tehran as bombardment of capital intensifiesNew rounds of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes rattled Iran.“Since midnight, I and my wife are hearing sound of explosions,” said Ali Amoli, an engineer living in north Tehran.Satellite images published Tuesday by Colorado-based company Vantor showed the domed roof of Iran’s presidential complex in Tehran had been destroyed, supporting Israel’s claim of an overnight strike. Iran did not acknowledge the damage or report any casualties.A north Tehran resident who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation described growing fears in the capital as it comes under heavy bombardment. The resident said most stores in the normally bustling area of Tajrish were closed, though bakeries and supermarkets remained open.
The Pentagon has released the names of four service members who were killed Sunday in a drone strike in Kuwait, including a man from West Des Moines.
All four Army Reserve soldiers were killed Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. That was just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran, which launched retaliatory strikes. Two others killed in the strike have not yet been identified.
The Department of War identified the soldiers as:
Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines
From the U.S. Army Reserve: Coady enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as a 25B (Army Information Technology Specialist). Coady’s awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida
From the U.S. Army Reserve: Khork enlisted as a 13P (Multiple Launch Rocket System / Fire Direction Specialist) in the National Guard in 2009. He commissioned as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. He deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021, and Poland in 2024. Khork’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 Year Device and “M” Device, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
From the U.S. Army Reserve: Amor enlisted in the National Guard as a 92A (Automated Logistics Specialist) in 2005. She transferred to the Army Reserve in 2006 and deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019. Amor’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.
Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
From the U.S. Army Reserve: Tietjens enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2006 as a 91B (Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic). He had two deployments to Kuwait in 2009 and 2019. Tietjens’ awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal With “M” Device.
All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines.
“Today, we mourn the loss of Sergeant Declan Coady, a young Iowan who heroically answered his nation’s call to duty and gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a news release. “Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences to his family and ask all Iowans to join us in prayer for their healing and comfort.”
Andrew Coady
This photo provided by Andrew Coady shows his son, Declan Coady, posing for a photo on the day of his graduation at U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Sill, Okla., March 15, 2024.
Coady was a 2023 graduate of West Des Moines Valley who enlisted in the Army Reserve that same year. He was a sophomore at Drake University.
Coady became an Eagle Scout in 2020, according to a Facebook post from his West Des Moines troop. An Iowa organization that helps homeless children said he made 12 Adirondack chairs for the group.
Coady had just told his father last week that he had been recommended for a promotion from specialist to sergeant, a rank he received posthumously.
He was one of the youngest people in his class but seemed to impress his instructors, his father Andrew Coady said Tuesday.
“He was very good at what he did,” he said.
Coady trained as an information technology specialist with the Army Reserves and was studying cybersecurity at Drake University. He was taking online classes while in Kuwait and wanted to become an officer.
“I still don’t fully think it’s real,” his sister Keira Coady said. “I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back.”
Rep. Zach Nunn reacts to Iowa soldier killed in Kuwait from Iranian drone strike
Coady has been posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant. Coady’s awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General U.S. Army Reserve Command.
“On behalf of the Army Reserve, we express our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. We remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the legacy of our fallen and supporting their teammates and families during this difficult time.”
The news comes about 3 months after two Iowa National Guard soldiers were killed and three others were injured in an ambush in Syria. Staff Sgts. Nate Howard and Edgar Torres-Tovar died in that attack on Dec. 13, 2025. Both have been returned to Iowa and laid to rest.
» Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page
» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
Iran poses a ‘clear and direct threat’ to the U.S., Nunn says
Israel steps up airstrikes in Tehran, as Iran widens its response across the region
Israel said it launched airstrikes against Iranian missile launchers and a nuclear research site Tuesday, and Iran struck back against Israel and across the Gulf region, targeting U.S. embassies and disrupting energy supplies and travel.
Four days into a war that President Donald Trump suggested would last several weeks or perhaps longer, nearly 800 people have been killed in Iran, including some Trump said he had considered as possible future leaders of the country.
Explosions rang out Tuesday in Tehran and in Lebanon, where Israel said it retaliated against Hezbollah militants. The American embassy in Saudi Arabia and the U.S. consulate in the United Arab Emirates came under drone attacks. Iran has fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel, though most of the incoming fire has been intercepted. Eleven people in Israel have been killed since the conflict began.
The spiraling nature of the war raised questions about when and how it would end.
The administration has offered various objectives, including destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, wiping out its navy, preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensuring it cannot continue to support allied armed groups.
While the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their government, senior administration officials have since said regime change was not the goal.
Trump on Tuesday seemed to downplay chances of the war ending Iran’s theocratic rule, saying that “someone from within” the Iranian regime might be the best choice to take power once the U.S.-Israel campaign is finished.
Rep. Zach Nunn discusses conflict with Iran after U.S. soldiers killed in drone strike
Trump says people the US had in mind to lead Iran are dead
Speaking Tuesday from the Oval Office, Trump said Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s toppled shah, is not someone that his administration has considered in depth to take over.
As far as possible leaders inside Iran, “the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said.
“I guess the worst case would be do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person, right? That could happen,” Trump said. “We don’t want that to happen.”
Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years. It’s only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that a new supreme leader is being chosen. Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to reformists who seek diplomatic engagement.
Iowans have a long history of serving in the U.S. armed forces, Rep. Zach Nunn says
Israel and US strike nuclear facilities and other targets in Iran
Information coming out of Iran has been limited because of poor communications, round-the-clock airstrikes and tight restrictions on journalists. But across Iran’s capital, aircraft were heard overhead, and explosions rang out.
The Israeli military said it conducted a wave of airstrikes on sites that produce and store ballistic missiles, in Tehran and Isfahan. It also said it destroyed what it called Iran’s secret, underground nuclear headquarters. Without providing evidence, it said the site was used for scientific research “to develop a key component for nuclear weapons.”
“The regime attempted to rebuild its efforts and conceal them, thinking we wouldn’t notice. They were mistaken,” said Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin.
There was no immediate public comment from the U.S. or Iran about the site Israel named.
Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June, though it has maintained its right to do so and says its nuclear program is peaceful.
The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog said Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site had sustained “some recent damage,” though there was “no radiological consequence expected.” The U.S. hit Natanz during the 12-day war in June, when Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Iran’s nuclear program.
Rep. Zach Nunn reflects on being a father and service member amid U.S. troops killed in Iran conflict
Fears rise in Tehran as bombardment of capital intensifies
New rounds of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes rattled Iran.
“Since midnight, I and my wife are hearing sound of explosions,” said Ali Amoli, an engineer living in north Tehran.
Satellite images published Tuesday by Colorado-based company Vantor showed the domed roof of Iran’s presidential complex in Tehran had been destroyed, supporting Israel’s claim of an overnight strike. Iran did not acknowledge the damage or report any casualties.
A north Tehran resident who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation described growing fears in the capital as it comes under heavy bombardment. The resident said most stores in the normally bustling area of Tajrish were closed, though bakeries and supermarkets remained open.