The Pentagon on Tuesday said one of the six military members killed over the weekend as the U.S. and Israel struck Iran was a U.S. Army Reserve soldier was from Bellevue, Nebraska.
The Defense Department identified four people who died when an Iranian strike hit a military operations center in Kuwait. The members killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, NebraskaCapt. Cody A Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, FloridaSgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39 of Bear Lake, MinnesotaSgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa
The Defense Department said in a statement that the troops died Sunday in Port Shuaiba during an unmanned aircraft system attack. They were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines. The Pentagon is investigating the deadly attack.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen ordered flags to fly at half-staff to honor Sgt. Tietjens. He said he and the First Lady were deeply saddened to learn of his death.
“We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers. Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world – a sacrifice we must never forget. Please join us in praying for the Tietjens and for all members of the United States military who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedom.”
Other Nebraska leaders have weighed in on Tietjens’ death after it was announced.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer wrote on social media, “It is with profound sadness that I learned one of Nebraska’s own was killed in Kuwait during Operation Epic Fury. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens’ family as they navigate this unimaginable grief. His courage and sacrifice in service to our nation will be forever honored.”
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said in a statement, “My heart and prayers are with the Tietjens family as they mourn the loss of their heroic son. May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family.”
1st Congressional District Rep. Mike Flood said in a statement, “The news of Sergeant Noah Tietjens’ death is heartbreaking. It is a sobering reminder that our troops are putting their lives on the line as America tries to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power. Our prayers are with the Tiejtens family as we all grieve Sergeant Tiejens’ loss and honor his service to our country.”
2nd Congressional District Rep. Don Bacon wrote, “Angie and I are heartbroken to learn of the death of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a proud Nebraskan who served our nation in the U.S. Army Reserve. A native of Bellevue, he dedicated his life to defending our country and protecting the freedoms we hold dear. No words can fully express the sorrow his family and friends are enduring during this unimaginable loss. Angie and I are praying for their healing and comfort in the days ahead. We also extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt. Declan Coady. These four soldiers are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their courage and devotion to duty will never be forgotten.”
The U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran and its leaders last Saturday, killing Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and members of his family. Iranian officials also said more than 168 schoolgirls were killed in a direct hit on a school.
President Trump and other military leaders have argued the attacks support their missions to change regimes in Iran. After the attacks were announced, Nebraska’s all-Republican congressional delegation issued messages of support for the war, saying President Trump’s calls to attack Iran come after months of failed negotiations with the country over nuclear weapons.