Tributes Paid to Six US Troops Killed in Iran Drone Strike, Including Mother Days from Homecoming
Grieving families are mourning the loss of six US service members killed in an Iranian drone strike on a base in Kuwait, the first American casualties in the escalating conflict. The Pentagon has identified four of the soldiers, with two others remaining publicly unnamed at this time.
Mother of Two Was Days Away from Returning Home
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, was just days away from completing her deployment and returning home to her family when she was killed in the attack. Her husband, Joey Amor, shared his heartbreak, stating, "She was almost home. You don't go to Kuwait thinking something's going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts."
Amor was a devoted mother who loved gardening, making salsa from her homegrown peppers and tomatoes with her high school senior son, and enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter. Her husband revealed that just a week before the attack, she had been moved to a less secure shipping container-style building off-base as part of dispersal efforts amid security concerns.
Young Soldier Posthumously Promoted
Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, was one of the youngest casualties and was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant. His father, Andrew Coady, noted that his son had just been recommended for promotion the previous week. "He was very good at what he did," Coady said of his son, who was studying cybersecurity at Drake University while serving in Kuwait and aspired to become an officer.
Coady's sister, Keira, expressed her disbelief, saying, "I still don't fully think it's real. I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back."
Patriotic Captain and Dedicated Sergeant
Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, was described by his family as deeply patriotic with a strong sense of duty from a young age. He enlisted in the Army Reserve and participated in Florida Southern College's ROTC program. His family remembered him as "the life of the party, known for his infectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongside him."
Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska, was a married father and martial arts instructor who held black belts in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo. The Philippine Martial Arts Alliance praised his values of "honor, discipline, service, and commitment to others" both on the mat and in uniform.
Attack Follows Launch of Operation Epic Fury
The fatal drone strike occurred just one day after the US and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israel and several Gulf Arab states hosting American forces with missiles and drones. All six soldiers were members of the Army Reserve's 103rd Sustainment Command, playing crucial logistics roles in supplying troops with food, water, fuel, ammunition, and equipment.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll honored their sacrifice, stating, "These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten." Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen paid tribute to Tietjens, writing, "Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world – a sacrifice we must never forget."
President Donald Trump acknowledged the casualties, warning, "Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That's the way it is." As families and communities grieve, these six soldiers are remembered for their service and ultimate sacrifice in the opening chapter of this conflict.
