Flags to Fly at Half-Staff to Honor Fallen Army Major Cody Khork

Government buildings in Tallahassee and Winter Haven, Florida, will fly flags at half-staff on Saturday, March 21, 2026, to honor Major Cody A. Khork, a Polk County soldier killed in Kuwait on March 1, 2026, while supporting military operations.

Honoring a Dedicated Soldier

Maj. Khork, 35, was from Winter Haven and had served in the U.S. Army since 2009. He was a Multiple Launch Rocket System/Fire Directions Specialist and was commissioned as a Military Police Officer in 2014. He was posthumously promoted from Captain to Major. Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the flags to be lowered in recognition of his service and sacrifice.

Military Service and Deployments

Throughout his career, Maj. Khork demonstrated a consistent commitment to service, with deployments to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021, and Poland in 2024. He received several accolades, including the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Joint Service Achievement Medal.

Flags at Half-Staff Order

The order directs that U.S. And Florida flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and all local and state government buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the City of Winter Haven.

Memorial Service

A memorial service for Maj. Khork will be held on Saturday at Haven Worship Center.

Ongoing Conflict

Maj. Khork was one of six soldiers killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait as part of the ongoing conflict in Iran. The incident remains under investigation.