A few days before a deadly drone strike in Iran claimed his life, 20-year-old Sgt. Declan Coady shared encouraging news with his father — a moment that would soon become a painful memory for his family.
The Pentagon has now confirmed the identities of four of the six American service members who were killed during an Iranian drone attack on March 1, part of a major military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury.
The soldiers who lost their lives were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, from Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, from Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, from Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, from Iowa.
All four served with the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines. Their responsibilities centered on logistics — ensuring that troops deployed overseas had the food, equipment, and supplies necessary to operate effectively.
‘Sacrifice’
After their deaths were confirmed, senior military leaders honored the fallen troops and acknowledged the profound loss experienced by their families.
“Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command.
Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command said the soldiers represented the best of the country.
“Our nation is kept safe by folks like these – brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day,” Erskine said.
Trump weighs in
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the attack during a phone interview with the Daily Mail.
“America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically, civilization,” Donald Trump said in a phone interview with the Daily Mail.
Discussing the deaths of the service members, the 79-year-old acknowledged the loss and warned that additional casualties could occur if the conflict continues.
“They’re great people,” he told the outlet from the comfort of his Mar-a-Lago home. “And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous – it could happen again.”
Trump also predicted that a war with Iran could be brief, despite the country’s size and military strength.
“As strong as it is, it’s a big country – will take four weeks – or less.”
He added that further losses were possible before the conflict ends.
“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That´s the way it is. Likely be more,” the president added about fatalities of U.S. soldiers.
Promising young soldier remembered
As the nation reacts to the tragedy, attention has increasingly turned to the lives behind the headlines — particularly that of Sgt. Declan Coady, whose story has touched many Americans.
The young soldier from West Des Moines enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an information technology specialist. Despite being among the youngest members of his training group, he quickly earned respect from instructors because of his talent and work ethic.
“Declan was more than a soldier – he was a son, a family member, a friend, and a light in the lives of those who knew him,” his aunt, Marianne Crandall, wrote on a GoFundMe page created to help the family after the tragedy. “He served his country with honor, courage, and dedication, embodying the very best of what it means to wear the uniform.”
The fundraiser, set up to support the family during this difficult time, had raised more than $41,000 toward its $75,000 goal as of March 4.
Family mourns
During his service, Coady earned several recognitions, including the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
According to reports, just a week before the attack he had told his father he was recommended for promotion from specialist to sergeant.
“He was very good at what he did,” his father, Andrew Coady, told the Associated Press.
While deployed in Kuwait, the 20-year-old was also studying online at Drake University. He was taking courses in cybersecurity, information systems and computer science, hoping one day to become a commissioned officer.
His sister, Keira Coady, said the loss still feels unreal.
“I still don’t fully think it’s real,” Coady’s sister Keira told AP. “I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back.”
Following his death, Coady was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant — receiving the rank he had been working so hard to achieve.
As families, friends and fellow soldiers grieve the devastating loss, many are remembering the people behind the uniforms — young lives with dreams, ambitions and futures that were suddenly cut short.
