U.S. Soldier from Nebraska Among Victims of Iranian Strike in Kuwait
This past weekend, a tragic incident unfolded as the United States, in conjunction with Israel, carried out attacks on Iranian targets. One of the casualties of the ensuing conflict was a U.S. Army Reserve soldier from Bellevue, Nebraska, who was identified by the Pentagon on Tuesday. This soldier was among six military members who lost their lives.
The Defense Department has named four of these individuals who perished when an Iranian strike targeted a military operations center located in Kuwait. The fallen service members are:
- Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
- Capt. Cody A Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida
- Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of Bear Lake, Minnesota
- Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa
The attack occurred on Sunday in Port Shuaiba, involving an unmanned aircraft system, as reported by the Defense Department. The soldiers were part of the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines. An investigation by the Pentagon is currently underway to understand the circumstances of the attack.
In response to the loss of Sgt. Tietjens, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, expressing deep sorrow over the death. He stated, “We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers. Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world – a sacrifice we must never forget. Please join us in praying for the Tietjens and for all members of the United States military who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedom.”
The news has prompted reactions from various Nebraska leaders. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer shared her condolences on social media, “It is with profound sadness that I learned one of Nebraska’s own was killed in Kuwait during Operation Epic Fury. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens’ family as they navigate this unimaginable grief. His courage and sacrifice in service to our nation will be forever honored.”
Senator Pete Ricketts also issued a statement, saying, “My heart and prayers are with the Tietjens family as they mourn the loss of their heroic son. May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family.”
From the 1st Congressional District, Representative Mike Flood remarked, “The news of Sergeant Noah Tietjens’ death is heartbreaking. 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 Tiejtens family as we all grieve Sergeant Tiejens’ loss and honor his service to our country.”
Adding to the expressions of sympathy, 2nd Congressional District Representative Don Bacon commented, “Angie and I are heartbroken to learn of the death of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a proud Nebraskan who served our nation in the U.S. Army Reserve. A native of Bellevue, he dedicated his life to defending our country and protecting the freedoms we hold dear. No words can fully express the sorrow his family and friends are enduring during this unimaginable loss. Angie and I are praying for their healing and comfort in the days ahead. We also extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt. Declan Coady. These four soldiers are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their courage and devotion to duty will never be forgotten.”
The strikes carried out by the U.S. and Israel on Saturday resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several members of his family. Iranian authorities also reported a tragic impact on a school, with more than 168 schoolgirls losing their lives.
President Trump, along with military officials, has defended the operations as part of a broader strategy to alter Iran’s regime. Nebraska’s Republican congressional delegation offered support for these actions, citing the failure of previous negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear ambitions as a justification for the military response.
