In a somber address on Thursday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of four soldiers from Iowa, a tragedy that has unfolded since December. The recent loss includes two soldiers who perished in a retaliatory drone strike in Kuwait, an event linked to the unfolding conflict with Iran.
Governor Reynolds, a Republican, conveyed her support for the military actions, stating, “I believe in the mission right now,” during a news conference. Her comments highlighted the perceived necessity of U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, a country she noted has posed significant challenges in recent years. “Just look at what Iran has done over the last several years. Hopefully we’re in and out. I believe that’s the goal of this administration,” she added.
The fallen soldiers, Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, from Indianola, and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, from West Des Moines, were part of a group of six Army Reservists killed during the strike. All were members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, responsible for logistics support including the provision of food, fuel, water, and ammunition.
In her remarks, Reynolds shared her conversations with the families of the deceased, stating, “As you can imagine, they’re heartbroken and as Iowans, we grieve with them.” She also confirmed that some injured soldiers have been safely evacuated to Germany.
The tragedy follows the deaths of two Iowa National Guard members in December. Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, were killed in Syria in an attack attributed to the Islamic State group. “I can’t imagine the sacrifice,” Reynolds said, acknowledging the profound loss experienced by the families.
Another victim of the Kuwait strike was Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, from Sacramento, California, who served alongside Iowans. His death was particularly hard on Lucas Schafroth from Waukee, Iowa, who described Marzan as “my greatest mentor in life.” Schafroth, who served with Marzan for 13 years, credited him with shaping his personal and professional life. “I took a lot of life lessons from him,” he stated.
The bond between Schafroth and Marzan remained strong even after Schafroth left the military in 2021. They had plans to collaborate on business ventures upon Marzan’s return. “Rob and I had plans for him when he got home to sit down and put together our business plans,” Schafroth said.
Tina Marzan, Robert’s wife, revealed that his deployment was nearing completion, and the family had anticipated celebrating his upcoming April birthday together.
The military also identified the other soldiers killed in Kuwait: Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, from White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, from Winter Haven, Florida; and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, from Bellevue, Nebraska.
In Bellevue, a martial arts studio honored Tietjens with a memorial class led by Grand Master Julius Melegrito, performing 43 exercises to commemorate what would have been his 43rd birthday. Melegrito recounted Tietjens’ dedication, noting his commitment to teaching martial arts even while deployed.
ProCircular, the cybersecurity firm where O’Brien worked, praised his contributions, with CEO Aaron Warner noting, “His quiet strength and expertise protected countless systems and left a lasting impact on everyone privileged to work with him.”
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Associated Press writers Margery Beck in Omaha, Nebraska, and Josh Funk in Bellevue, Nebraska, contributed.
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