Iran War: Army Reserve soldier from Winter Haven killed during Kuwait drone strike
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - The Pentagon has identified four of the six service members who have been killed in the Iran war, and one of them is from Winter Haven.
The Department of War identified the Army Reserve soldier from Winter Haven as Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35.
What we know:
According to the department, all four of the service members died on March 1 in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, after a drone hit a command center. All soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.
Pictured: Capt. Cody Khork of Winter Haven. Courtesy: Army Reserve Command Press Desk.
These are the other service members identified by the Department of War:
- 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.
All four identified were Army Reserve soldiers, according to the Associated Press.
PREVIOUS: Iran death toll rises to 6 US service members killed
The incident in Kuwait remains under investigation.
Pictured: Cody Khork in 2014. Courtesy: Florida Southern College.
The backstory:
The deaths of the service members came just one day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, which has launched retaliatory strikes, AP reported.
The U.S. military has said that six American service members died overseas in the Iran operations. Central Command has mentioned that at least five other troops were seriously wounded in the attacks.
What they're saying:
Khork's family released the following statement after he was identified as one of the service members killed:
"It is with profound sorrow and immense pride that we share these words about Cody, a man whose life was defined by devotion, character, and service. Cody was truly the life of the party, known for his infectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongside him and for everyone blessed to know him.
From an early age, Cody felt a calling to serve his country. He began that journey by enlisting in the Army Reserve and continued on a path of honor and leadership through Florida Southern College’s ROTC program. That commitment helped shape the course of his life and reflected the deep sense of duty that was always at the core of who he was.
Cody also possessed a great love for history and earned a degree in political science, pursuits that reflected both his sharp mind and his sincere appreciation for the principles and sacrifices that have shaped our nation. He was deeply patriotic and took great pride in serving something greater than himself.
Above all, Cody found the love of his life and carried that same devotion into both his personal life and his service to this country. He lived with purpose, loved deeply, and served honorably. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the example he set, and the love of country and family that defined him.
Respectfully,
James & Stacey Khork
Donna Burhans"
Florida Southern College in Lakeland shared a post on social media about Khork, who graduated from the school in 2014:
Florida Southern College mourns the loss of Captain Cody Khork, '14, a proud alumnus who was among the American service members killed on March 1, 2026, in a drone attack on a U.S. military facility in Kuwait.
A Political Science major and member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Cody was known among his classmates, professors, and friends for his leadership, character, and commitment to serving others. Following his time at Florida Southern, he continued a path of service in the United States Army.
Captain Khork enlisted as a Field Artillery Fire Control Specialist (13P) in the National Guard in 2009 and later commissioned as a military police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. During his service, he deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021, and Poland in 2024.
Our hearts are with Cody’s family, his fellow soldiers, and all who knew and loved him. We also extend our deepest condolences to his classmates, friends, and professors across the Florida Southern community who shared in his journey.
Florida Southern honors Captain Khork’s life, service, and sacrifice.
The Source: The information in this story was released by the Department of War and also includes reports from The Associated Press.