Bellevue Native Among U.S. Service Members Killed During Attack in Kuwait
Bellevue Native Among U.S. Service Members Killed During Attack in Kuwait
A Bellevue native and Bellevue West High School graduate is among several U.S. service members who were killed during combat operations in the Middle East over the weekend.
The Pentagon identified Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska, as one of four service members who died March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. Tietjens was a 2001 graduate of Bellevue West High School.
Tietjens was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa. According to a Department of Defense release, he and three fellow soldiers were killed during an attack by an unmanned aircraft while supporting military operations in the region. The incident remains under investigation.
The other service members killed in the attack were Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa.
Tietjens enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2006 as a 91B wheeled vehicle mechanic. During his military career, he deployed twice to Kuwait, first in 2009 and again in 2019.
His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.
Military leaders praised the fallen soldiers for their service and sacrifice.
“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 of the 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.”
The attack occurred amid escalating conflict in the region. U.S. Central Command officials initially reported that three service members were killed and five others seriously wounded during combat actions against Iran.
Officials later confirmed that a fourth wounded service member died from injuries, and that U.S. forces recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted-for troops from a facility struck during Iran’s initial attacks. As of Monday, the total number of U.S. service members killed in the operation had risen to six, according to a CENTCOM update.
Several other troops sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are expected to return to duty.
The broader military operation began early Saturday, when U.S. and partner forces launched strikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. According to CENTCOM, the mission aimed to disrupt locations posing an imminent threat, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.
Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command, said the fallen service members will be remembered for their dedication and sacrifice.
“We honor our fallen heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” Harter said in a statement. “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”
