DES MOINES, Iowa — The U.S. Department of Defense has identified Major Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Waukee (also listed in some reports as Indianola-area), Iowa, as the second soldier from Iowa killed in an Iranian unmanned aircraft system (drone) strike at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1, 2026.

The attack occurred at a makeshift tactical operations center in the civilian port facility, which serves as a major logistics hub for U.S. military supplies entering the region. The strike penetrated air defenses, resulting in six fatalities and at least 18 serious injuries among U.S. personnel. All six soldiers belonged to the 103rd Sustainment Command, an Army Reserve unit based in Des Moines, Iowa, responsible for providing essential logistics support — including food, fuel, ammunition, vehicles, and other materiel — to sustain operations.

This incident marks the first confirmed U.S. deaths from direct Iranian retaliation following the start of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on February 28, 2026.

The first Iowan identified was Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines. Coady, a sophomore at Drake University studying information systems, cybersecurity, and computer science, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an information technology specialist (MOS 25B). He was posthumously promoted to sergeant. Family described him as “smart and kind,” a devoted son and brother who stayed in frequent contact even during deployment.

Other identified soldiers include:

•  Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, Winter Haven, Florida

•  Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, Bellevue, Nebraska

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

•  Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, Sacramento, California (identified as “believed to be” the individual at the scene, pending final medical confirmation)

Major O’Brien commissioned as a Signal Corps officer in the Army Reserve in 2012 and had previously deployed to Kuwait in 2019. His decorations included the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued statements on both identifications, expressing profound grief: “Our hearts are broken by the deaths of Major Jeffrey O’Brien and Sergeant Declan Coady, two brave Iowa soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom and peace. On behalf of a grateful state, Kevin and I offer our prayers and condolences for their families, and we ask all Iowans to stand united in support of our fallen soldiers and those who loved them.”

The strike highlights vulnerabilities in forward logistics sites, especially temporary setups at civilian ports away from fortified bases like Camp Buehring or Camp Arifjan. Officials note the operations center had limited overhead protection, contributing to the outcome despite defenses. The event underscores risks to sustainment personnel — often in support roles — during rapid escalation in contested areas.

Broader context includes ongoing investigations into the attack, calls for improved force protection at such sites, and recognition of the human cost amid regional tensions. Communities in Iowa, including West Des Moines and Waukee, along with Drake University, have held moments of silence and expressed solidarity.

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