Iowa families mourn 3 local soldiers killed in Iran war
Three service members with deep Iowa ties are among the 18 U.S. troops killed or missing in the ongoing war with Iran, leaving families in Des Moines, Coggon, and across the state grappling with devastating losses. The deaths include a 20-year-old Eagle Scout from Des Moines, a 45-year-old father of three raised on a farm near Coggon, and a 54-year-old mentor assigned to a Des Moines-based command.
The human cost of the conflict has climbed steadily since the first U.S. service member deaths on March 1. President Donald Trump has made clear more casualties are likely. About 100 U.S. service members have suffered some level of injury since July 7, according to the Pentagon.
Who are the Iowa service members killed?
Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines
Declan Coady, a 20-year-old Army Reserve information technology specialist from Des Moines, was killed in an Iranian strike at Kuwait's Shuaiba port. His sister Keira Coady told CNN the family knew something was wrong when his updates suddenly stopped.
“I wish I had called him one more time and told him I loved him,” Keira Coady said.
Coady was a gym enthusiast, a fencer, and an Eagle Scout with a love for camping in national parks, hiking, white-water rafting, and exploring the outdoors with his family, according to his sister and obituary. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 and stood out to his instructors, earning a recommendation for promotion.
“He was very good at what he did,” his father, Andrew Coady, told The Associated Press.
Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Coggon
Jeffrey O'Brien, raised on a farm near Coggon, was killed in Kuwait while serving with the 1st Theater Sustainment Command. The 45-year-old husband and father of three was passionate about family, faith, jazz music, and the Chicago Cubs.
O'Brien served in the Army Reserve for nearly two decades and received several awards, but he was most proud of his children. He loved coaching them in track, cheering at gymnastics meets, and teaching them music and theater.
“He was not only a role model to our kids, but also a goofy and silly dad, always looking for ways to make the kids laugh,” his family said in a statement to CNN affiliate KCCI. “We are in shock, grieving, and grappling with the reality that we have lost the most important man in our lives.”
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Des Moines
Robert Marzan, assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, was killed just two months before his deployment was set to end. His family was planning a celebration for his 55th birthday and retirement, according to Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa.
Marzan first enlisted in the Army in 1990 and deployed to Croatia, Bosnia, Egypt, and Kuwait throughout his career. Friends described him as a mentor who would bring young service members to a whiteboard to help them “map out a life plan.”
“As I reflect, Rob was probably one of the best humans I've ever met,” said Connor Kuehl, a friend who met Marzan after enlisting in 2013.
What is the broader impact on Iowa?
The deaths hit close to home for many Iowans. The 103rd Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines, has deep roots in the state's military community. Iowa's congressional delegation, including Sen. Chuck Grassley and Rep. Ashley Hinson, have offered condolences and highlighted the sacrifices of these service members.
President Trump has defended the war effort, saying meeting with families of fallen soldiers did not give him pause. He and senior officials have made clear the conflict will likely bring more casualties.
At least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran since U.S. and Israeli strikes began on February 28, according to state-run Iranian media. One strike reportedly killed at least 168 children.
How can Iowans support the families?
Families of the fallen are establishing scholarships and memorial funds. The Coady family has asked for privacy as they arrange services. The O'Brien family is accepting donations through local veterans organizations. Marzan's family is planning a public memorial in Des Moines.
Iowans can also support Gold Star families through organizations like the Iowa Gold Star Military Family Program, which provides resources and support to families of fallen service members.
This article is based on reporting from CNN and the Associated Press.