The six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in a drone strike in the Middle East were honored during a solemn dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The service members—Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien (45), Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan (54, of Sacramento, California), Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor (of White Bear Lake, Minnesota), Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, and Sgt. Declan Coady (20, of West Des Moines, Iowa)—were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command. They were killed on March 1, 2026, when an Iranian drone struck a key U.S. command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait’s southern industrial hub. The attack occurred shortly after the United States and Israel initiated a major military campaign against Iran, referred to in reports as “Operation Epic Fury.”
The dignified transfer—a time-honored, non-public ritual where flag-draped transfer cases containing the remains are carried from an aircraft to waiting vehicles—allowed grieving families to witness the return of their loved ones to American soil. President Donald Trump attended the ceremony, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other officials. Trump saluted as Army carry teams moved the cases past him and the families. He has described such events as among the most difficult duties of the presidency.
Photos from the event captured the somber procession, with carry teams in uniform respectfully handling the flag-draped cases under overcast skies, families present in mourning, and leaders standing in salute. The ceremony underscored national respect for the fallen amid the escalating conflict.
This incident marks some of the first U.S. fatalities in the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, highlighting the risks to American forces supporting operations in the region. Tributes emphasized the soldiers’ service and sacrifice, with calls for prayers and support for their families.
Rest in peace to these brave service members. Their honor and the dignified transfer serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.
