Just days before the tragic drone strike in Iran, 20-year-old Declan Coady shared encouraging news with his father about his progress in the Army Reserve — a moment that would soon carry heartbreaking meaning. Coady was among six U.S. service members who lost their lives during a drone attack on March 1 as part of a major military operation known as Operation Epic Fury. The Pentagon later confirmed the identities of four of the fallen soldiers: Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady of Iowa. All served in the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, where their mission focused on logistics and ensuring deployed troops received the food, equipment, and supplies needed to carry out their duties. Military leaders expressed deep appreciation for their dedication and service, emphasizing that their commitment and the sacrifices made by their families will always be remembered.

Among those remembered most deeply is Coady, a young soldier whose determination and character left a lasting impression on those around him. The West Des Moines native enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an information technology specialist and quickly stood out for his work ethic and skill, even though he was one of the youngest in his group. While deployed overseas, he continued studying online at Drake University, focusing on cybersecurity, information systems, and computer science, with hopes of one day becoming a commissioned officer. According to his father, Andrew Coady, he had recently been recommended for a promotion — recognition of how well he performed his duties. After his passing, he was posthumously promoted to sergeant, the rank he had been working toward. His family and community continue to remember him not only as a dedicated soldier but also as a caring son, brother, and friend whose future was filled with promise.