U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, died March 1, 2026, in Kuwait at the Port of Shuaiba during an unmanned aircraft system attack.[Photo courtesy Army Reserve]

Brent Newton

FORT BRAGG, N.C - The Department of War announced the death of four U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were supporting Operation Epic Fury. The soldiers died March 1st, in Kuwait at the Port of Shuaiba, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa. The incident is under investigation.

The deceased are:

Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska

Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa

Congressman Scott Franklin released a statement on the death of Capt. Cody Khork, saying he joins the entire community in mourning his loss.

"As a former Naval Aviator, I understand the weight of that sacrifice and the courage it takes to wear the uniform,” said Congressman Franklin. “Our nation is grateful for CPT Khork’s service and his commitment to defending our freedoms. Please join me in lifting up the Khork family, along with the families of the other service members lost, and their friends and fellow soldiers in prayer during this difficult time. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Capt. Cody Khork was a resident of Lakeland. He 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 Saudia 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.