Remembering the 13 US Service Members Who Died in the War With Iran

In recent weeks, the escalating war with Iran has claimed the lives of thirteen United States service members across the Middle East. Before they were casualties of war, these men and women were devoted parents, newly married partners, aspiring scholars, and beloved friends. They were pilots and medics, logisticians and communicators, each leaving behind a grieving family and a deeply personal legacy.

As the nation processes the heavy toll of this ongoing conflict, taking a moment to understand who these individuals were offers a vital reminder of the profound human cost of military service. The following profiles highlight the unique journeys, enduring passions, and ultimate sacrifices of the thirteen Americans who recently gave their lives.

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, was a devoted mother to a high school senior and a fourth-grader. She enlisted as an automated logistics specialist in the National Guard in 2005 before transferring to the Army Reserve a year later. Bringing valuable experience to her unit, she had previously deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019.

Her husband, Joey Amor, shared that she was just days away from completing her current deployment. The transition of returning home is a highly anticipated milestone for military families, making her loss profoundly devastating. Expressing his heartbreak to The Associated Press, he stated, “She was almost home.” Reflecting on the unexpected nature of the attack in a logistical hub, he added, “You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first, it hurts.”

Beyond her military service, Amor was an avid gardener who loved the outdoors. She cherished spending her free time inline roller skating and bicycling with her children. Her family remembered her compassionate nature in her obituary, writing, “Nicole believed deeply in caring for others and in nurturing life wherever she could.”

Capt. Seth Koval

Capt. Seth Koval, 28, of Stoutsville, Ohio, served as an aircraft commander with the 121st Air Refueling Wing based in Columbus. He dedicated years to the Ohio Air National Guard, having enlisted with a profound commitment to defending his nation. Koval was one of the elite Ohio airmen who tragically lost their lives during the midair refueling mission crash in western Iraq on March 12.

His highly specialized role involved flying crucial, long-distance operations to transfer fuel to other military aircraft. Leaders across his home state have publicly recognized the immense bravery required for such duties. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement reflecting on the profound loss, emphasizing the inherent dangers Koval willingly faced. “Every mission they undertook involved risks that they were willing to take and the courage to put the lives of others above their own,” DeWine stated. “They served with honor.”

The impact of his passing reverberated deeply through the local military community. The proximity of his unit at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base meant that many fellow service members felt the loss on a personal level. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who was serving overseas when the news broke, recalled the emotional toll it took on his own nearby unit. “I remember going into a team meeting and telling my teammates that some of our fellow Ohioans had made the ultimate sacrifice,” LaRose shared. Highlighting the close-knit nature of their military network, he added, “I can tell you it was a heavy moment for all of us.”

Capt. Curtis J. Angst

For Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio, a life in aviation seemed almost inevitable. As the son of a flight attendant and a private pilot, his passion for the skies took root at a remarkably young age.

In a recent public tribute to the fallen captain, Representative Dave Taylor reflected on this lifelong calling. He noted that Angst “grew up playing with toy airplanes outside his Ohio home and his father took him up for his first flight when he was still a toddler.” This early fascination blossomed into a dedicated career path. Angst earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 2014 before joining the military the following year. Beginning his service as a vehicle maintenance technician, he steadily advanced his career to eventually pilot missions overseas.

Angst was one of the six crew members tragically lost in the March 12 refueling plane crash in western Iraq. Beyond his technical expertise and military dedication, those closest to him remember a profoundly warm and inviting presence. He possessed a unique ability to connect with others and foster a strong sense of community wherever he went.

Capt. Ariana G. Savino

Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington, is remembered as a trailblazer who pursued her aspirations with relentless dedication. Serving as the chief of current operations for the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, she recently achieved a major milestone by earning her wings as a KC-135 pilot. Her path into aviation was deeply inspired by her father, who flew for Alaska Airlines, cementing a family legacy of service and flight.

Those closest to her recall a vibrant presence that uplifted everyone she met. In a statement reflecting on her life, her family described her as a “fierce, brave, passionate” woman, noting that her distinctive smile and laugh could effortlessly transform the atmosphere of any room. Her background was also a profound source of personal pride. According to her friend, retired Lt. Col. Ernesto Nisperos, she was “very, very proud of her heritage” as a Puerto Rican and embraced her role as an inspiration to others.

To ensure her impact continues, Savino’s loved ones are turning their grief into a lasting tribute. They are establishing an aviation scholarship specifically designed to support Latino youth and women who aspire to fly. Nisperos shared that this initiative honors her lifelong mission to serve as a role model and to help others achieve the same ambitious dreams she worked so hard to realize.

Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons

Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons is remembered as a driven and disciplined military boom operator whose lifelong passion for aviation defined his career. As an only child, his parents recall his unwavering commitment to his goals from an early age. While his mother once hoped he might pursue a path outside the armed forces, his deep dedication to flying ultimately charted his course.

Teachers and mentors consistently noted his well-mannered nature, a trait that matured into a profound sense of duty. His father, Charles Mylo Simmons, reflected on the depth of his son’s dedication, stating that he “loved what he did, he loved his country, he loved the military,” and importantly, he “loved his family.”

Those who served alongside him and loved him at home remember a bright presence that elevated the morale of everyone around him. Describing his son’s enduring warmth, his father noted, “His smile would light up the room. His personality would illuminate the whole place.”

Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien

Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, brought a deep sense of loyalty and passion to both his military service and his family life. Raised on a farm near Coggon, Iowa, he dedicated nearly two decades to the Army Reserve. He lost his life during the drone attack in Kuwait while serving in support of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, a vital unit responsible for overseeing the resupply and sustainment of troops across the Middle East.

While O’Brien earned multiple awards throughout his extensive military career, his greatest pride was always his family. A devoted husband and father of three, his interests spanned from jazz music to an unwavering loyalty to the Chicago Cubs. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives, actively coaching them in track, attending their gymnastics meets, and sharing his love for music and theater.

As his community mourns, his family is navigating the sudden reality of his passing. Describing him as a “true hero in every sense of the word,” they expressed their profound heartbreak. “We are in shock, grieving, and grappling with the reality that we have lost the most important man in our lives, and we are trying to come to terms with how we move forward,” the statement read.

Capt. Cody A. Khork

Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, was a highly experienced and dedicated leader who served in the US Army Reserve. He tragically lost his life on March 1, 2026, when an unmanned aircraft system struck a tactical operations center at the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait. He was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based out of Des Moines, Iowa.

Khork dedicated much of his life to military service, beginning his career in 2009 when he enlisted in the National Guard as a fire direction specialist for multiple launch rocket systems. By 2014, he had commissioned as a military police officer in the Army Reserve. His extensive record of service included deployments to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay in 2021, and Poland in 2024.

His commitment to his country earned him numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Joint Service Achievement Medal. His vast experience across multiple deployments underscored his unwavering dedication to protecting his nation and supporting his fellow soldiers in diverse environments around the globe.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, leaves behind a profound legacy of mentorship and decades of dedicated military service. Assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, he was among those who lost their lives in the Kuwait logistics hub attack.

Having first enlisted in the Army in 1990, Marzan possessed an extensive and diverse deployment history. Throughout his long career, he deployed to Croatia, Bosnia, Egypt, and Kuwait. Beyond his tactical duties, he was highly regarded as a guiding force for younger service members. He frequently brought junior colleagues to a whiteboard to help them “map out a life plan.”

His impact on those he guided was deeply personal and enduring. Connor Kuehl, a friend who met Marzan after enlisting in 2013, credited the late soldier with helping him finish his education and advance in his career. “As I reflect, Rob was probably one of the best humans I’ve ever met,” Kuehl shared.

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, is remembered for his steadfast dedication to service and his unassuming leadership. He died on March 8, 2026, from injuries sustained during a March 1 attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado, he was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

Long before he put on a military uniform, Pennington demonstrated a profound commitment to his community. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2017 after completing a project to demolish deteriorating baseball dugouts in his hometown. Darin Life, a former scout leader who watched him grow, noted his deep patriotism. “He loved his country. I would have expected nothing less of him than to lose his life protecting his country,” Life shared.

His high school automotive technology teacher, Tom Pitt, described him as an exceptional student who possessed a rare combination of intelligence and charm. “Rarely do you have students who are all of those,” Pitt recalled. “And Ben Pennington was all of those. He was basically the quintessential all-American.”

Maj. John ‘Alex’ Klinner

Maj. John ‘Alex’ Klinner built his life around a profound dedication to his family, his community, and his country. Serving in the US Air Force, he was one of six crew members who lost their lives on March 12, 2026, when their KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.

For those who knew him best, memories of Klinner are deeply interwoven with the outdoors. He cherished hiking and sharing the beauty of nature with his loved ones. His father, John Klinner, warmly recalled their time together, noting, “Gosh, there’s so many. Alex and I did a lot of camping trips.”

Beyond his uniform, Klinner was a devoted husband and an exceptionally loving father to three young children: a two-year-old and seven-month-old twins. His sudden absence leaves a heartbreaking void for his growing family. As his father expressed, “We’re heartbroken that he won’t be there for them. He loved those children.” A community fundraiser established to support his wife and children echoed this sentiment, describing him as a man whose passing “has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.” The organizers emphasized that “He was just very devoted to his family and community and to the Air Force.”

Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt

Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky, is remembered as an accomplished aviation instructor and a devoted matriarch. Serving as an assistant flight chief of operations with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, she was a highly experienced KC-135 boom operator. She lost her life on March 12, 2026, when her refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq.

Throughout her nearly decade-long military career, Pruitt completed three prior overseas deployments and logged almost 900 combat flight hours. Despite her impressive professional milestones, her greatest pride remained at home with her husband, Gregory, her three-year-old daughter, and her stepson. Her obituary highlighted this profound dedication, stating that while she rose steadily through the enlisted ranks, “nothing compared to the love she held for her family.”

Those who knew Pruitt best describe a vibrant personality that naturally drew people in. When asked to summarize her spirit, her grieving husband offered a single, powerful word: “radiant.” Reflecting on her magnetic presence, he shared, “If there was a light in the room, she was it.”

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, is remembered by his community for his profound dedication to both military service and mentorship. Enlisting in the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, he brought years of technical expertise to his unit. His recent deployment to Kuwait marked his third tour in the country, having previously deployed there in 2019 alongside Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor.

Throughout his distinguished career, Tietjens earned numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. Beyond his official duties, he was a guiding force for younger service members. Army Staff Sgt. Jonn Coleman credited Tietjens for his professional advancement, stating, “He took me under his wing and got me to where I needed to be.”

Outside of the military, martial arts formed a central pillar of his family life in Bellevue, Nebraska. Tietjens was a highly skilled instructor who earned a double black belt in Taekwondo and Filipino martial arts, a passion he shared closely with his wife and son. Friends noted that while he often maintained a serious outward demeanor, his true nature was defined by deep compassion and quiet strength. Faith Melegrito, co-owner of the studio where Tietjens trained, summarized his character by stating, “He was the kind of man who represented service, humility, leadership, and heart in everything he did.”

Sgt. Declan J. Coady

Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, was a deeply committed student and service member. He died on March 1, 2026, when an unmanned aircraft system struck his unit at the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait. Assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in the US Army Reserve, he served as an Information Technologies Specialist.

Before his deployment, Coady was heavily focused on his education. He attended Drake University, where he studied information systems, cybersecurity, and computer science. While he had the opportunity to sign an ROTC contract that would have exempted him from his unit’s overseas deployment, he intentionally chose to remain with his fellow soldiers and deploy to Kuwait.

Representative Zach Nunn recently honored his dedication on the House floor, noting that he was a “20-year-old young man who was going to Drake University, had a background in cybersecurity.” He further commended his drive, stating, “He was working his way through college as a reservist, as an IT troop forward deployed to Kuwait.” Beyond his academic pursuits, Coady was exceptionally motivated. Growing up, he and his brothers were active in the Boy Scouts, where he distinguished himself by earning the rank of Eagle Scout along with an impressive 56 merit badges.

For his grieving family, his sudden loss remains difficult to process. In an emotional interview, his older sister, Keira Coady, reflected on the shock of his passing and the vibrant life he had planned for the future. “I still don’t fully think it’s real. And I didn’t think it was real when they told us,” she shared. “Because I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back.”