Elected leaders in Nebraska are reacting to Tuesday’s announcement from the Department of Defense that a U.S. Army Reserve solider from the state was killed in Kuwait on Sunday as apart of Operation Epic Fury.
Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, was among three others soldiers killed: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of Iowa.
All soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.
Nebraska’s governor and congressional delegation issued the following statements Tuesday.
Governor Jim Pillen
Suzanne and I are deeply saddened to learn of Sgt. Tietjens death. We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers.
Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world – a sacrifice we must never forget. Please join us in praying for the Tietjens and for all members of the United States military who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedom.
The Governor’s office says an order regarding the flying of flags at half-staff to honor Sgt. Tietjens will be announced shortly.
Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02)
Angie and I are heartbroken to learn of the death of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a proud Nebraskan who served our nation in the U.S. Army Reserve. A native of Bellevue, he dedicated his life to defending our country and protecting the freedoms we hold dear. No words can fully express the sorrow his family and friends are enduring during this unimaginable loss. Angie and I are praying for their healing and comfort in the days ahead. We also extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, and Sgt. Declan Coady. These four soldiers are American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their courage and devotion to duty will never be forgotten.
U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts
Susanne and I mourn the death of Nebraska hero Noah Tietjens. Noah died in Kuwait this weekend during Operation Epic Fury. My heart and prayers are with the Tietjens family as they mourn the loss of their heroic son. May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family.
Rep. Mike Flood (NE-01)
The news of Sergeant Noah Tietjens’ death is heartbreaking. It is a sobering reminder that our troops are putting their lives on the line as America tries to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power. Our prayers are with the Tietjens family as we all grieve Sergeant Tietjens’ loss and honor his service to our country.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
It is with profound sadness that I learned one of Nebraska’s own was killed in Kuwait during Operation Epic Fury. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens’ family as they navigate this unimaginable grief. His courage and sacrifice in service to our nation will be forever honored.