LAKELAND, Fla. — The Pentagon has identified four of the six service members killed in the Iran conflict, stating they died in a drone strike in Kuwait.
The Iranian retaliatory drone strike targeted a command center located in Port Shuaiba. All four of the soldiers identified by the Pentagon were members of the Army Reserve.
Capt. Cody Khork, a resident of Lakeland, FL, was among those killed in the attack. Khork began his military career in 2009, enlisting in the National Guard as a 13P, Multiple Launch Rocket System and Fire Direction Specialist.
In 2014, Khork commissioned as a military police officer in the Army Reserve. His career included several overseas assignments, including deployments to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021 and Poland in 2024.
Khork received numerous awards and decorations during his service. These honors include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Army Superior Unit Award. He was also awarded the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal.
Additional decorations for Khork included the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Service Medal. He also received the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 Year Device and “M” Device.
All of those listed by the Pentagon were killed were Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Spc. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa.
The family of Capt. Cody Khork, one of the US soldiers killed in war with Iran, released a statement:
Statement on the Life, Service, and Legacy of Cody Khork
It is with profound sorrow and immense pride that we share these words about Cody, a man whose life was defined by devotion, character, and service. Cody was truly the life of the party, known for his infectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongside him and for everyone blessed to know him.
From an early age, Cody felt a calling to serve his country. He began that journey by enlisting in the Army Reserve and continued on a path of honor and leadership through Florida Southern College’s ROTC program. 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.
Cody also possessed a great love for history and earned a degree in political science, pursuits that reflected both his sharp mind and his sincere appreciation for the principles and sacrifices that have shaped our nation. He was deeply patriotic and took great pride in serving something greater than himself.
Above all, Cody found the love of his life and carried that same devotion into both his personal life and his service to this country. He lived with purpose, loved deeply, and served honorably. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the example he set, and the love of country and family that defined him.
Respectfully,
James & Stacey Khork
Donna Burhans
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