Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien of Iowa Killed in Kuwait Attack

Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, was killed on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an attack involving an unmanned aircraft system. He was a member of the Army Reserve.

Details of the Incident

O’Brien was killed during a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, according to the Pentagon . The Department of Defense has not released details regarding the circumstances of the attack, but confirmed that O’Brien is believed to have perished at the scene. A medical examiner will confirm his identification.

Military Service

Major O’Brien was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa . He was promoted to major in August 2024 and had served in the Army Reserve for nearly 15 years. He worked as a manager of defensive cyber operations at an Iowa-based cybersecurity company and had a two-decade career in information and cybersecurity .

Personal Life

Major O’Brien is survived by his wife and children. His aunt, Mary Melchert, described him as “the sweetest blue-eyed, blonde farm kid you’d ever know” and stated he is deeply missed . Records indicate his address was in Waukee, Iowa, though his official home address is listed as Indianola .

Other Iowa Soldier Killed

O’Brien’s death follows that of 20-year-old Declan Coady, of West Des Moines, who was also killed in the same strike on Tuesday .