Iowa Honors Fallen Soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien and Sgt. Declan Coady

Des Moines, Iowa – The bodies of Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, both of Iowa, are returning home this week following their deaths in a drone attack in Kuwait. The two soldiers were serving with the Des Moines-based 103rd Sustainment Command when they were killed, alongside four other servicemembers, in the early stages of the war with Iran on March 1.

Arrival and Procession Details

The remains of Maj. O’Brien and Sgt. Coady were received at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on March 7 for a dignified transfer. A procession is planned in Des Moines on Thursday, beginning between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. At the Des Moines International Airport.

The procession route will proceed northwest along McKinley Avenue to Park Avenue, then west on 63rd Street, heading north. The route will split at the intersection of 63rd Street and Ashworth Road, with each soldier’s body proceeding to their respective funeral homes. Community members are encouraged to line the route to pay their respects.

Visitation and Funeral Services

Visitation for Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien is scheduled for Friday at 2:00 p.m. At Valley Church on Fuller Road in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., according to Eyles Funeral Home.

Visitation for Sgt. Declan Coady will be held Friday from 5:00 p.m. To 8:00 p.m. At The Bridge on Northwest 62nd Avenue in Johnston. His funeral will be held at the same location on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

Support and Remembrance

Organizations like the Blue Star Mothers of America – Iowa Chapter and The Final Salute are assisting with preparations to welcome the soldiers home. April Conway, Vice President of the Iowa chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, emphasized the importance of public support, stating, “These families need to see a sea of Iowans…They need to understand that their children’s sacrifice and their spouse’s sacrifice was not dismissed by an entire state.”