The Pentagon on Wednesday identified Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, as one of the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in a drone strike in Kuwait on Sunday. This marks the second death of an Iowa soldier in the attack, as Sergeant Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, was as well among those killed. The incident occurred at a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, following the launch of a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, and Iran’s subsequent missile and drone response against Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. Forces.
Major O’Brien, a signal officer and information systems engineer with nearly 15 years of service in the Army Reserve, was a manager of defensive cyber operations at a cybersecurity company in Iowa, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was promoted to major in August 2024, as evidenced by a Facebook post showing him with his two young children. The Pentagon stated that O’Brien’s listed address is in Indianola, though records also demonstrate an address in nearby Waukee, both suburbs of Des Moines.
Details of the Kuwait Attack and Rising Tensions
The drone strike that claimed the lives of Major O’Brien and five other U.S. Soldiers took place at a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. The Pentagon has stated that Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, was also killed in the attack and is “believed to be the individual who perished at the scene,” pending confirmation from a medical examiner. CBS News reports that the attack occurred amid escalating tensions in the region following U.S. And Israeli military actions against Iran.
The deaths of the six soldiers represent a significant escalation in the regional conflict. The attack followed Iran’s launch of missiles and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states, a response to the U.S.-Israeli military campaign. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing concerns about further escalation.
Remembering Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien
Mary Melchert, Major O’Brien’s aunt, shared on Facebook that he “was the sweetest blue-eyed, blonde farm kid you’d ever understand. He is so missed already.” His dedication to his family is evident in the Facebook post celebrating his promotion to major, where he is pictured with his children. The Associated Press reported that a person answering the door at O’Brien’s Waukee home declined to comment immediately, stating the family would release a statement.
Major O’Brien’s career spanned two decades in information, and cybersecurity. His service and expertise in defensive cyber operations underscore the growing importance of cybersecurity in modern military operations. He leaves behind a wife and children, and his loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, and colleagues.
The Other Soldiers Killed in the Attack
In addition to Major O’Brien and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Marzan, the Pentagon has identified the other four soldiers killed in the Kuwait attack as: Sergeant Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa; and three other soldiers whose names have not yet been publicly released. Details regarding the circumstances surrounding their deaths are still emerging.
Iowa Mourns its Fallen Soldiers
The state of Iowa is mourning the loss of two of its own. Sergeant Declan Coady and Major Jeffrey O’Brien both called Iowa home, and their deaths have deeply impacted the community. The Des Moines Register is covering the local impact of these losses.
The Pentagon has not released details regarding the specific nature of the drone strike or the circumstances that led to the deaths of the soldiers. Investigations are ongoing, and further information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
The next official update from the Department of Defense is expected within the coming days, as the investigation into the attack progresses. Families of the fallen soldiers are being provided with support and resources during this difficult time.
We encourage readers to share their condolences and memories of Major O’Brien and Sergeant Coady in the comments below. Your thoughts and support are appreciated.
