Fallen Soldier Honored with Endowed Scholarship at Florida Southern College
A tragic turn of events in the ongoing conflict with Iran has claimed the lives of over a dozen Americans, including Army Reserve Captain Cody Khork from Winter Haven, Florida. The U.S. and Israel’s coordinated airstrikes on February 28, 2026, marked the onset of hostilities, which resulted in Captain Khork’s death from a drone attack in Kuwait. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Major.
“We lost the best human being that I’ve ever known. My best friend, best man, and brother gave his life defending our country overseas,” stated Jaffer Abbas, a close friend of Major Khork, to Military.com. Abbas emphasized the profound impact Khork had on his life, noting Khork’s unwavering support over their 16-year friendship.
In the wake of this loss, Abbas and Khork’s family are collaborating with Florida Southern College, where Khork studied, to set up an ROTC scholarship in his memory. Known as the “Captain Cody A. Khork ’14 Endowed ROTC Scholarship,” this initiative aims to honor Khork’s legacy by supporting ROTC cadets at the college. “This scholarship will change the lives of many cadets in honor of our best friend, Cody Khork, just like he impacted and changed the lives of everyone he came across,” shared Abbas.
“Major Khork exemplified the values of leadership, service, and honor that define cadets in Florida Southern’s ROTC Moccasin Battalion,” said Jeremy Martin, president of Florida Southern College, to Military.com. “Through this scholarship, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of ROTC cadets who feel called to serve our nation.”
Life of Service Led to Military Career
Khork’s military journey commenced after his graduation with a Political Science degree from Florida Southern, where he was also a part of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He began his service in 2009 as a Field Artillery Fire Control Specialist in the National Guard, later transitioning to a military police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. His deployments included Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021, and Poland in 2024.
“We lived in multiple cities and states together and been through many adventures. He knows more about me than anyone else, and he was the first person to answer my call, even when I called in the middle of the night,” Abbas remarked. “He’s helped me get through the hardest and lowest parts of my life and been there to celebrate the best.”
Endowed Scholarship Eligibility
The scholarship will be awarded to a student at Florida Southern College who mirrors Khork’s leadership and compassion. It aims to provide room and board for ROTC cadets in their junior and senior years, supplementing existing Army-provided tuition scholarships. Candidates must exhibit exceptional military service commitment, leadership within the ROTC unit, and outstanding character. The scholarship is renewable for up to two years, contingent upon continued eligibility.
“This endowed scholarship is a reflection of who Khork was,” said Abbas. “He was the kind of person who would give his last dollar to someone in need. Something I witnessed countless times during the 7 years we lived together and the 16 years I am grateful to have had as his friend.”
To contribute to the scholarship fund, donors can visit the Florida Southern College “Make a Gift” webpage and select the “Captain Cody A. Cork Scholarship.”
Abbas remains committed to maintaining his friend’s legacy. “Khork, we made a promise to you that your name would live on forever. You are our hero.”
