For the second time in as many days, Iowa’s political leaders expressed sadness to news that an Iowan was among those killed in an Iranian attack in Kuwait, extending their condolences “on behalf of a grateful state.”
The Pentagon announced Wednesday, March 4, that 45-year-old Major Jeffrey O’Brien of Waukee was among the six Army Reserve soldiers killed in a March 1 strike on Port Shuaiba in Kuwait.
It follows the March 3 confirmation that 20-year-old Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines was also among the six soldiers killed in that same attack.
Gov. Kim Reynolds
“Our hearts are broken by the deaths of Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien and Sgt. Declan Coady, two brave Iowa soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom and peace,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement. “On behalf of a grateful state, Kevin and I offer our prayers and condolences for their families, and we ask all Iowans to stand united in support of our fallen soldiers and those who loved them.”
Auditor Rob Sand
“More tragic news,” Auditor Rob Sand wrote on social media. “Another Iowan lost their life. Rest in peace to Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien from Indianola. Thank you for your service.”
The Department of War initially identified O’Brien from Indianola, but his current residence is in Waukee.
U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson
Second District U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson posted on social media that she was “heartbroken.”
“As our nation continues to process the heartbreaking tragedies of life over the past several days, my heart is so heavy for the family, friends, and fellow servicemembers who are experiencing such unbearable loss,” she wrote. “We are grieving alongside all Iowans and Americans. Please join Matt and me in praying for the loved ones mourning tonight and for every American in uniform who continues to lay their lives down for us. Pray for the many military families waiting anxiously for word from their sons, daughters, spouses, and parents serving overseas. The courage and sacrifice of our troops remind us of the extraordinary price paid to protect our freedoms.”
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley
“It’s devastating to learn a second Iowan has lost his life in combat,” U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said in a statement. “Maj. O’Brien’s heroism will be remembered forever, along with his fellow fallen soldier and Iowan, Sgt. Declan Coady. With heavy hearts, Barbara and I are offering our prayers for Iowa’s grieving Gold Star Families. May God protect all our troops abroad.”
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst
“My heart is breaking for their family members, loved ones, and our 103rd Sustainment Command family,” U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said in a statement. “Nowhere is their sacrifice felt more deeply than in Iowa, where we are especially grieving the loss of Sgt. Declan J. Coady from West Des Moines and Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien from Indianola. Please join me in praying for the safety and protection of all those serving in the Middle East and around the world. As they continue courageously carrying out their mission so we never lose another American to Iran-backed terror, they are ensuring the sacrifice made by their brothers and sister in uniform was not and will never be in vain.”
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart
“The loss of Jeffrey O’Brien, another brave soldier and Iowan who was serving his state and country, is absolutely devastating,” Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said in a statement. “We will be forever indebted to him and to his family for his service and sacrifice. The IDP family’s thoughts are with Jeffrey’s family and friends as they grieve this painful loss. Blessings on all of our troops who continue to put themselves in harm’s way in the coming days. We all hope and pray for their safe return.”
Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann
“As our state is grieving the loss of Sergeant Declan Coady, we have now learned that Major Jeffrey O’Brien has also made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement. “This news deepens our sorrow and reminds us of the extraordinary sacrifice borne by our service members and their families. May God bless our soldiers and bring comfort and strength to the loved ones of Major O’Brien and Sergeant Coady. I ask all Iowans to join Vicki and me in keeping their families in our prayers.”
U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks
“Tonight, all of Iowa mourns a hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” 1st District U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks wrote on social media.
“Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien of Indianola has been identified as one of the six U.S. service members killed by Iranian strikes in Kuwait,” she said. “Maj. O’Brien served with the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines. He answered the call to serve with courage and honor, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. Curt and I are praying for his family, his fellow soldiers, and all who are grieving this tremendous loss.”
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra
“Our state and our nation grieve a tragic loss. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, the five other courageous servicemembers killed, and the additional injured by the Iranian drone strike in Kuwait,” 4th District U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra said in a statement. “These brave servicemembers answered the call to serve, putting on the uniform and standing in harm’s way to defend our freedoms and protect our nation. Our state has borne the sobering reality of the dangers these men and women accept when they volunteer to serve, and we must come together to support their loved ones during this difficult time.
“Iran’s threats of missile bombardment against Americans and our allies will be dismantled, and its support for terrorism will end. The United States must remain resolute in confronting those who threaten our servicemembers and our allies. I am praying for the loved ones of Maj. O’Brien and for the safety of every Iowa National Guardsman, Army Reservist, and active-duty soldier currently deployed in the Middle East. May God bless our troops and the United States of America.”
Attorney General Brenna Bird
“Bob and I are heartbroken to learn of the loss of Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien of Waukee in Kuwait,” Attorney General Brenna Bird posted on social media. “Our prayers are with his family, friends, and his community. He has given the ultimate sacrifice and his heroism will never be forgotten.”
Iowa Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner
“I am devastated by the news of yet another Iowan killed in action overseas,” Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner said in a statement. “Every loss of life is a tragedy, but it’s made that much worse when it happens so far from home. My thoughts are with Jeffrey O’Brien’s loved ones as they grapple with his sacrifice — and with all the Iowans who continue to put themselves in harm’s way. Please, no more.”
State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott
“Tragically, another Iowan, Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, was killed in Kuwait this past Sunday,” State Sen. Sarah Trone-Garriott, who represents O’Brien’s district, said in a statement. “This heartbreaking news comes as our community is mourning the loss of Sgt. Declan Coady. My prayers are with the family, friends, and comrades of our fallen soldiers.”
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. She writes about campaigns, elections and the Iowa Caucuses. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: A ‘grateful state’ reacts to death of second Iowa soldier in Iran war
Reporting by Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
