The deaths of a female soldier and five other U.S. service members came a day after the United States (U.S.) and Israel launched their military campaign targeting Iran.
Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor was killed when a drone struck a command center in Kuwait. The mother of two was only days away from returning home to her husband, Joey Amor, and their children. Instead, her family is now grieving her loss.
Nicole was among four U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran conflict on Sunday, March 1. The Pentagon released their names on Tuesday, March 3. She served in the Army Reserve in a logistics role, helping supply troops with food, equipment, and other essential items.
Speaking from their home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on March 3, Joey Amor said, “She was almost home. You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts.”
After the U.S. and Israel carried out their military move against Iran, the country responded with attacks. Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf Arab nations that host American forces. Kuwait was among the places targeted, and the strike there killed Nicole and the other service members.
Those who died also included Captain Cody Khork and Sergeant Declan Coady, who was promoted from specialist after his death. MajorJeffrey R. O’Brien and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan are also reportedly among those who perished in the attack.
All of the soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, a unit responsible for providing food, fuel, water, ammunition, and transportation equipment to support military operations.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said, “These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.” President Donald Trump also commented on the losses, “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is.”
Donald Trump arrives for a Medal of Honor Ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 2, 2026 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
Outside her military service, Nicole enjoyed spending time in her garden. She liked making salsa using peppers and tomatoes she grew there, often preparing it with her son, who is a high school senior. The 39-year-old also spent time rollerblading and riding bicycles with her fourth-grade daughter.
A week before the drone strike, Nicole had been moved away from the base to a building made from shipping containers that did not have defensive protection, Joey explained.
“They were dispersing because they were in fear that the base they were on was going to get attacked, and they felt it was safer in smaller groups in separate places,” he shared.
He said their last conversation happened about two hours before the attack. Nicole had been working long shifts, and the two had been messaging about her tripping and falling the night before. “She just never responded in the morning,” Joey said.
More loved ones have been deeply affected by this news. Here is a look at the lives, families, and achievements of the service members who were lost in these ongoing deadly attacks.
Sergeant Nicole had recently deployed to Kuwait after nearly 20 years in the military, with this likely to be her final tour, according to her brother, Derek Hoff. Before leaving in August, she appeared to be at a crossroads, balancing her military service with family responsibilities.
Her 18-year-old son was graduating from high school, and she wanted to be present for more of her nine-year-old daughter’s childhood.
Her brother noted that she had been close to moving on to the next chapter of her life, potentially retiring to spend more time with her children. “She just missed them. It was a yearning for her kids,” said Derek.
Nicole began her military career in 2005 when she joined the National Guard as an automated logistics specialist. She transferred to the Army Reserve a year later and later deployed to Iraq in 2019, followed by Kuwait, where her work focused on logistics.
“She knew what she signed up for, and she did it because she had a job and a duty,” said 42-year-old Derek of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Online, people have sent the family messages of support and sympathy.
One netizen shared a heartfelt prayer, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.” Another person reflected on the ultimate sacrifice, “So sad in the loss of your precious Nicole. The highest sacrifice she gave.”
Someone else asked for divine comfort, praying that her husband, children, and entire family find solace during the long nights of grief and the strength to face the days ahead.
Sergeant Noah left behind his wife, Shelly, and their teenage son, Dylan. The family lived together in the Washington Terrace mobile home park in Bellevue, a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska.
The Tietjens family shared a strong bond through martial arts, frequently attending classes together at Martial Arts International in Bellevue. Noah had earned certification as an instructor and harbored dreams of one day opening his own studio.