WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03), a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, today led the U.S. House of Representatives in a moment of silence honoring six U.S. Army Reservists—including two Iowans—killed in an Iranian drone strike on a command center in Kuwait on March 1, 2026.
“As Iowa grieves Sergeant Coady and Major O’Brien, it is important that every one of these fallen servicemembers be recognized on the House floor,” said Rep. Nunn. “Moments like this remind us of the obligation we carry—to honor the fallen, to stand with Gold Star families, and to support every servicemember on the frontlines and every military family on the homefront.”
The fallen soldiers served with the 103rd Sustainment Command of the Army Reserve, headquartered at Fort Des Moines in Rep. Nunn’s district. They were deployed to Kuwait, providing logistics and sustainment support for U.S. forces operating across the Middle East as part of Operation Epic Fury.
“My heart is shattered for our state and for the family, friends, and fellow servicemembers enduring such unimaginable loss,” said Rep. Hinson. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. We are praying for those grieving and for every American in uniform defending our freedoms far from home. May God surround our Gold and Blue Star families with comfort and give our troops strength and protection to carry out this mission.”
“Our nation mourns the loss of six brave American service members who gave their lives in defense of our country, including two proud sons of Iowa,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “Their courage and sacrifice remind us that the freedoms we cherish are never free. We will always honor their memory, stand with their families, and support the men and women in uniform who continue to defend our nation every day.”
“Our state and our nation mourn the loss of these six brave servicemembers, including Army Reserve Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien and Sgt. Declan J. Coady,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I grieve for them and their families and I am praying for the safety of our servicemembers in the Middle East. During this incredibly difficult time, we must stand together in support of their families and loved ones.”
“The news of Sergeant Noah Tietjens’ death is heartbreaking,” said Rep. Flood. “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 Tietjens family as we all grieve Sergeant Tietjens’ loss and honor his service to our country.”
“Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and fellow servicemembers mourning the loss of six brave Americans who gave their lives in service to our nation,” said Rep. Matsui. “Among them was Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, who called the Sacramento region home. Our community is deeply proud of his service and the example he set through his dedication and courage. We honor his life, the lives of the five other servicemembers lost, and their profound sacrifice.”
“I joined my colleagues on the House floor tonight to mourn the loss of six American servicemembers, including Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert M. Marzan of Sacramento,” said Rep. Bera. “We have a solemn responsibility to care for the families of the fallen and for every American who wears our nation’s uniform. I continue to pray for the safety of all our troops in harm’s way.”
“CPT Cody Khork of Winter Haven served our nation with honor and selflessness, and his loss is felt deeply across FL-18 and throughout our nation. We also mourn the other five service members who lost their lives in this tragedy,” said Rep. Franklin. “These brave Americans answered the call to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. As a former Naval Aviator, I understand the weight of that sacrifice and the courage it takes to wear the uniform. Our prayers are with their families, friends, and fellow service members during this incredibly difficult time.”
Rep. Nunn led the moment of silence alongside colleagues representing the hometowns of the six fallen Reservists. The fallen servicemembers are Sergeant Declan Coady, Major Jeffrey O’Brien, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, and Captain Cody Khork.
Rep. Nunn’s Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order. I rise today to honor six Americans — including two Iowans — who gave their lives for this country.
“On March 1, an Iranian drone strike on a command center in Kuwait killed six members of the 103rd Sustainment Command in the Army Reserve — which operated out of Fort Des Moines in my District.
“I want to speak first about the two Iowans. Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines was just 20 years old — one of the youngest in his unit, and by every account, one of the best. He trained as an IT specialist with the Army Reserves while studying cybersecurity at my alma mater — Drake University in Des Moines. He was taking online classes from Kuwait. He wanted to become an officer. Last week, he told his father he had been recommended for promotion from Specialist to Sergeant. He received that rank posthumously.
“Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Waukee and Indianola, Iowa — a senior officer in the same unit, who spent decades in service and gave his life keeping our forces supplied in Kuwait.
“And I want to say the names of every one of our fallen — because every family represented here today deserves to be honored by our nation in this moment of heartbreak.
“Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Captain Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida. Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska. And Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California.
“Out of grief, we renew our resolve. Out of loss, we strengthen our unity. And out of sacrifice, we carry forward an obligation — to these families, and to every man and woman still standing the post.
“Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that the House now observe a moment of silence in honor of: Sergeant Declan Coady, Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor, Captain Cody Khork, and Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens.”
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