The war with Iran hit home in Florida Tuesday with the news a Winter Haven man was among six soldiers killed since the beginning of the war over the weekend.
At least six U.S. service members have been killed, according to the U.S. military, which released the names of four of them March 3.
➤ Florida man among 4 US soldiers killed in Iran war
U.S. and Israeli military forces began strikes against Iran in what’s known as “Operation Epic Fury” on Feb. 28.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, along with dozens of top officials, as more than 1,250 targets inside the country were hit.
Iran has retaliated with strikes against U.S. military bases, Israel and other nations in the Middle East.
Here’s what we know.
Florida man killed in air attack as war with Iran continues
The Pentagon on March 3 identified Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven (some sources say Lakeland) as one of four American soldiers killed in an unmanned aircraft attack on Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1.
Where was Capt. Cody Khork killed?
Khork, along with three other soldiers, died March 1, in Kuwait at the Port of Shuaiba, on the Persian Gulf, during an unmanned aircraft system attack.
Who was Capt. Khork of Winter Haven, Florida?
Khork, whose Facebook page said he lived in Lakeland, enlisted as a 13P (multiple launch rocket system/fire direction specialist) in the National Guard in 2009, according to a report in the Marine Corps Times.
A fire direction specialist records the firing data when multiple launch rocket system vehicles launch various missiles and ammunition in quick strikes during combat, according to the Army National Guard.
He became a military police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014.
He was deployed to:
‘We lost the best human being that I’ve ever known’
“Yesterday, we lost the best human being that I’ve ever known. My best friend, best man, and brother gave his life defending our country overseas,” Abbas Jaffer wrote in a tribute to Khork on social media March 2.
“He has shaped me into the person I am today,” Jaffer said. “I’ve watched him support others and myself through the years when he had nothing to his name and never complained about it… That’s just the type of person he was.”
Khork received many awards, decorations during military career
Khork received several awards and decorations during his military career, including:
Pentagon identifies soldiers killed in Middle East
According to the Pentagon, the four soldiers killed in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, March 1 are:
All four were with a Des Moines Army Reserve unit, assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command.
U.S. military officials are investigating the attack.
➤ Pentagon IDs 4 US soldiers killed. Here’s who they were
US Army Reserve: ‘we honor our fallen heroes’
“We honor our fallen heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” the U.S. Army Reserve Command posted on its website.
“Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General U.S. Army Reserve Command.
“On behalf of the Army Reserve, we express our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. We remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the legacy of our fallen and supporting their teammates and families during this difficult time,” said Harter.
Soldiers made ‘ultimate sacrifice for their country’
“To the families and teammates of these Cactus Nation Soldiers: you have my deepest sympathy and my respect,” said Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, Commanding General, 79th Theater Sustainment Command.
“Our nation is kept safe by folks like these — brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day. They represent the heart of America. We will remember their names, their service, and their sacrifice.”
“It with deep sadness and unyielding grief that we acknowledge and recognize our soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Our soldiers relentlessly, consistently, and fearlessly served with sincere dedication and pride,” said Brig. Gen. Clint A. Barnes, Deputy Commanding General, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Operational Command Post.
“They were the ultimate ambassadors for freedom. They represent the best of what our country stands for. May God grant their families peace and comfort in their memories. We will never forget them.”
How many US military service members have been killed?
According to the U.S. Central Command, as of 4 p.m. March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in action.
No further updates on casualties have been released since March 2. The identities of the remaining two also have not yet been released.
Contributing: USA TODAY
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida Army Reserve captain killed in Iran war. Here’s what we know
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud and Andy Kuppers, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
