TAMPA, Fla. — Four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed while supporting Operation Epic Fury in Kuwait, including a soldier from Polk County, Florida. The tragic incident occurred at Port Shuaiba when an unmanned aircraft struck their location, claiming the lives of service members assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command out of Des Moines, Iowa.
The fallen soldiers have been identified as: Captain Cody A. Khork, 35, of Polk County, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa. Captain Khork, a native of Winter Haven and most recently residing in Lakeland, enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 as a multiple launch rocket system and fire direction specialist before joining the Army Reserve as a military police officer in 2014.
Throughout his career, Captain Khork was deployed multiple times, including to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay in 2021, and Poland in 2024. His military honors include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, among others.
Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, said, “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.” Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, Commanding General of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, added, “Our nation is kept safe by folks like these—brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day. We will remember their names, their service, and their sacrifice.”
The incident marks a somber moment for the Army Reserve, as communities and families mourn the loss of four dedicated service members. U.S. Central Command has confirmed a total of six deaths in the incident, with two service members still not publicly identified. Military officials continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack.
Officials are honoring the legacy of these soldiers while expressing support and condolences to their families, teammates, and communities. The Department of War emphasized the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of those killed, reminding the public that the sacrifices of these soldiers—and the families who support them—will never be forgotten.
