**Excerpt:** Two Minnesota service members and others have been confirmed dead in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Here’s what we know about their sacrifices.
Key Points
– Thirteen U.S. service members have died since the conflict with Iran began in late February.
– The deceased include a Minnesota mother of two and an Iowa college student.
– Six service members died in a strike in Kuwait, and six more in a crash of a U.S. refueling aircraft over Iraq.
– The Pentagon confirmed the identities of several service members and highlighted their bravery.
– Tributes have poured in from family, friends, and officials honoring their service and sacrifice.
Overview of Casualties
Since the onset of the war with Iran in late February, 13 American service members have lost their lives. Among them are notable individuals, including a Minnesota mother of two, an Iowa college student, and a Florida native described as the “life of the party.”
Casualties in Kuwait and Iraq
Six service members were part of a U.S. Army Reserve unit based in Des Moines, Iowa, and were killed in a strike in Kuwait. Another service member, injured during an attack at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1, succumbed to their injuries a week later. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the fallen as American heroes.
Individual Profiles
#### Capt. Cody A. Khork
– **Age**: 35
– **Background**: Born in Winter Haven, Florida; enlisted in the National Guard in 2009.
– **Service**: Deployed multiple times, earning multiple commendations.
– **Family**: Remembered by friends and family as kind and patriotic.
#### Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor
– **Age**: 39
– **Background**: From Minnesota; about to conclude her deployment.
– **Service**: Enlisted in 2005; previously deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.
– **Personal Life**: Survived by her husband and two children; remembered for her gardening and family activities.
#### Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens
– **Age**: 42
– **Background**: From Bellevue, Nebraska; enlisted in 2006.
– **Service**: Had previous deployments and received several military honors.
– **Community Impact**: His death prompted flags to be flown at half-staff in Nebraska.
#### Sgt. Declan J. Coady
– **Age**: 20
– **Background**: From West Des Moines, Iowa; a recent high school graduate and current student.
– **Service**: Enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023; this was his first deployment.
– **Legacy**: Posthumously promoted to sergeant; remembered by family as kind and dedicated.
#### Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien
– **Age**: 45
– **Background**: From Waukee, Iowa; commissioned in 2012.
– **Family Values**: Described as a loving family man with deep roots in his community.
#### Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan
– **Age**: 54
– **Background**: From Sacramento, California; served for over 30 years.
– **Family Tribute**: Remembered as a hero with a servant’s heart.
#### Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington
– **Age**: 26
– **Background**: From Glendale, Kentucky; injured on March 1, died from injuries on March 8.
– **Unit**: Assigned to the 1st Space Battalion; recognized for his ultimate sacrifice.
Conclusion
The loss of these service members highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Their bravery and dedication to service have drawn heartfelt tributes from communities and officials across the nation, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered.
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