Obituaries and funeral information for two Iowa soldiers killed in an attack in Kuwait have been posted online as their remains are scheduled to return to the state this week.
Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, were among six U.S. service members killed March 1 when an Iranian strike hit a tactical operations center at the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait. Both were assigned to the Des Moines-based 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) of the U.S. Army Reserve.
O’Brien grew up on a farm near Coggon in eastern Iowa, the oldest of three brothers, and remained closely tied to that upbringing.
His obituary says he “loved spending time on the farm, especially with his Grandma and Grandpa O’Brien,” and later carried that same steadiness into his life as a husband, father and soldier.
A multi-sport athlete who played baseball, basketball, track and cross country, he also “loved playing his saxophone—especially in the pep and jazz bands,” and stayed a loyal Chicago Cubs fan, often joking, “Well, there’s always next year.”
He went on to earn a degree in computer engineering from Iowa State University and built a career in cybersecurity.
He met his wife, Roxane, in Ames, and the two were married in 2009.
“Those closest to Jeff knew his greatest pride and joy was his family,” his obituary reads. “He was a devoted husband, a loving father of three, and an amazing friend” who “had a gentle spirit, generous heart, and a humility that defined everything he did” and “made others feel safe, valued, and cared for.”
He carried that same presence into his everyday life with his three children, Samira, Nicolette and Conor. His obituary describes him as “a goofy and playful dad who was always ready to make them laugh,” someone who “loved coaching Conor in track, cheering Niki on at her gymnastics meets, and proudly embracing his role as a music and theater dad to Sami.” Many of those moments were spent at “ballfields, competitions, and events, creating memories his family will carry forever.”
Coady, born in Virginia and raised in West Des Moines, grew up in a close-knit family that spent time camping in national parks, hiking and rafting.
Alongside his brothers, his obituary says, he was deeply involved in scouting, and “ever competitive, Declan wanted to earn more merit badges than his brothers,” ultimately earning 56 and achieving Eagle Scout.
He attended Drake University, where he studied information systems, cybersecurity and computer science, and enlisted in the Army Reserve while in college. While participating in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, he could have signed a contract that would have allowed him to avoid deployment, but “instead, he chose to remain with his unit” and deployed to Kuwait in August.
“Declan spoke frequently to his family, and it was clear to all of them that he was fulfilled by the work that he was doing,” his obituary reads. “Even with time differences, Declan continually made time to play video games with his older brother Aidan, or to talk for hours with his parents, his older sister, Keira, and younger brother, Rowan, about anime, plans for the future, and numerous shared interests.”
He was continuing his college coursework while deployed and spoke about extending his time in Kuwait and going on active duty.
“Declan will always be remembered as a brave, kind, and loyal young man,” his obituary reads, adding that he “was always willing to lend a hand and encourage others to achieve their highest potential.”
That same energy carried into how he approached everything he did. His obituary reads his family “will always remember how loving, funny, and determined he was,” and notes that even while deployed, he stayed focused on his future.
“His education was very important to him; even in his deployment, he was enrolled in classes to stay on track for his degree,” it reads, adding that to his family, “he continues to be an inspiration and a source of light.”
Visitation and funeral services for both soldiers are scheduled at the end of the week, with interment at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.
Soldiers’ remains expected to return to Iowa on Thursday
The remains of O’Brien and Coady are expected to arrive at the Des Moines airport on Thursday, March 18.
An escort to their respective funeral homes is expected to depart between 1:30 and 2 p.m., traveling McKinley Avenue northwest to Park Avenue. It’s expected to travel north on 63rd Street before splitting at Ashworth Road. Organizers said the route is tentative and could change.
The announcement was shared by several groups online, including The Final Salute, which posted on Facebook: “Let’s come together as a community to honor their service and sacrifice by lining the roads and showing our deep gratitude for these American heroes.”
The Iowa Chapter Blue Star Mothers of America encouraged members to attend the procession, saying in a post, “We MUST show these loved families that Iowa supports them and we MUST HONOR these warriors for their sacrifice.”
Nick El Hajj is a reporter at the Register. He can be reached at nelhajj@gannett.com. Follow him on X at @nick_el_hajj.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Lives of Iowa soldiers killed in Kuwait detailed, remains to return
Reporting by Nick El Hajj, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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