Two soldiers from Iowa and Nebraska were among the first Americans killed after the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes against Iran.
An Iranian drone attack in Kuwait on Sunday killed Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines and Sergeant Noah Tietjens of Bellevue Nebraska.
Coady was 20 years old and a student at Drake University. According to Drake he was an information technologies specialist in the Army Reserve and was studying cybersecurity, and computer science.
Tietjens was a member of the 443rd transportation company and has received multiple medals during his time of service. He first enlisted in 2006 and had two deployments.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen ordered flags to fly at half-staff to honor Sgt. Tietjens. He said he and the First Lady were deeply saddened to learn of his death.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer wrote on social media,"Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens’ family as they navigate this unimaginable grief. His courage and sacrifice in service to our nation will be forever honored.”
Rep. Zach Nunn said in a statement he stands with Coady’s family “praying for strength and remembering a young man who gave his life in service to our country.”
Senator Chuck Grassley says Coady and the others who were killed “represent the best of Iowa, and the best of America.”