In Loving Memory of Four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers

In Loving Memory of Four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers Killed in Kuwait While Supporting Operation Epic Fury

The city of Tampa, along with communities across the nation, is grieving the heartbreaking loss of four brave U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury. Their ultimate sacrifice has left families devastated, fellow service members heartbroken, and a grateful nation reflecting on the profound cost of freedom. These soldiers, assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command out of Des Moines, Iowa, were stationed at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, when an unmanned aircraft struck their location, claiming their lives in the line of duty.

Their mission was one of service, strength, and steadfast commitment — and they gave everything to fulfill it. The four fallen heroes 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
• Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa

Each of these soldiers carried a story of dedication, courage, and love for their country — and each leaves behind a legacy that will endure far beyond their years. Their contributions to the nation and the military community will not be forgotten, and they will forever be remembered as American heroes.

Honoring Captain Cody A. Khork

Captain Cody A. Khork, a native of Winter Haven, Florida, who most recently resided in Lakeland, exemplified the spirit of service from a young age. He first enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 as a multiple launch rocket system and fire direction specialist. Driven by a desire to serve in broader capacities and make a more significant impact, Captain Khork transitioned to the Army Reserve in 2014 and became a military police officer. His decision to serve was never about personal glory but about something much larger — protecting the freedoms and rights of others.

Throughout his distinguished career, Captain Khork deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay in 2021, and Poland in 2024. His leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication earned him numerous honors, including 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 the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

However, beyond the numerous awards and deployments, Captain Khork was a son, a friend, a mentor, and a leader whose presence uplifted everyone around him. His courage was matched only by his compassion, and his commitment to service extended far beyond the uniform he wore. His passing has left a profound void in the hearts of his fellow soldiers, and his memory will live on as a beacon of leadership and service.

Remembering Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens

At 42 years old, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens brought a wealth of experience, wisdom, and unwavering resolve to his unit. Hailing from Bellevue, Nebraska, he represented the best qualities of the Army Reserve — disciplined, dependable, and steadfast in his mission. Tietjens had always been the steadying force that those around him could rely on, both in combat and in moments of calm.

His service spanned more than two decades, and throughout that time, Sgt. 1st Class Tietjens was known for his meticulous attention to detail, his dedication to the soldiers under his command, and his unwavering commitment to the mission. He had earned the respect of his peers and subordinates alike for his ability to lead by example and inspire others to rise to their best. His death is not only a tragic loss for his family but also for the Army Reserve, where his legacy of leadership will continue to shape those who served alongside him.

Honoring Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. As a noncommissioned officer, she bore the responsibility of leadership with great honor. Amor was known for her exceptional strength, both physical and mental, and for her ability to inspire others through action rather than words. She understood the weight of her responsibilities, and she never shied away from the challenges presented to her.

Her career was defined by a relentless commitment to excellence. Amor was not only a fierce protector of her country but also a role model for countless women in the Army Reserve. She demonstrated that leadership and strength know no boundaries, and her service will continue to inspire future generations of women who seek to follow in her footsteps. In her final moments, she was not only defending her nation but also embodying the qualities of courage and honor that will forever be associated with her name.

Remembering Sgt. Declan J. Coady

Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, was the youngest of the fallen soldiers, but his decision to enlist was a testament to his bravery, character, and patriotism. At just 20 years old, Sgt. Coady had already chosen a path that would require unimaginable sacrifice, yet he did so without hesitation, driven by a desire to serve his country.

Though his future was bright with promise, Sgt. Coady chose to dedicate his present to something larger than himself — the defense of his nation. He had only recently begun to forge his path in the military, but his commitment to the Army Reserve and the well-being of his fellow soldiers marked him as a young man of exceptional honor. In the face of adversity, he exemplified the values of duty, integrity, and sacrifice that define the very essence of what it means to serve. His untimely death has left the Army Reserve community mourning the loss of a young soldier who had already proven himself to be an invaluable member of the team.

A Nation’s Gratitude

In response to the tragic loss of these soldiers, Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the United States Army Reserve Command, expressed the collective sorrow and gratitude of the military community. “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, echoed these sentiments, saying, “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. They will never be forgotten.”

The families of these soldiers have sacrificed more than anyone should ever have to, and while the wounds left by their loss will never heal, the nation they gave their lives to protect will forever honor their memory. As the days go by, tributes have poured in from all corners of the country, with the Army Reserve, local communities, and citizens across America pausing to recognize the extraordinary contributions these soldiers made.

A Final Salute

As the nation mourns, we are reminded of the extraordinary men and women who dedicate their lives to serving in the military, often making the ultimate sacrifice in silence, away from the spotlight. The four soldiers lost in Kuwait — Captain Cody A. Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady — represent the very best of America’s fighting spirit, and their courage and service will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, heroes. You have made the ultimate sacrifice, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who love you, serve alongside you, and are protected by your bravery. You are American heroes, and we are forever grateful for your service.