Memorial services were held for three fallen U.S. Army Reserve soldiers: Sergeant Declan Coady, Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert
Memorial Services for Fallen Soldiers
Memorial services were held this week for three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan: Sergeant Declan Coady, Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan.
Sergeant Declan Coady: A Heroic Iowa Soldier
Sergeant Declan Coady, 22, of Waukee, Iowa, was found deceased in Afghanistan. He had joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 2020, and his parents, Kevin and Keira Coady, spoke to local news station KCCI. “I just wish he could have known one more time that we all loved him, because he was so amazing and kind,” said Keira. Governor Kim Reynolds also expressed condolences, stating, “We mourn the loss of Sergeant Declan Coady, a young Iowan who heroically answered his nation's call to duty and gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien: A Lifelong Serviceman
Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, 45, also lost his life in Afghanistan. He was a Signal Corps officer who commissioned in 2012 and served multiple deployments, including one to Kuwait in 2019. O'Brien’s family released a statement praising his character and contributions, describing him as a “loving family man” and “a son, grandson, the oldest of 3 brothers, a nephew, and compassionate young man raised on a farm near Monti, IA.” They highlighted his selflessness, noting that he would always prioritize others, and his dedication to small-town Iowa.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan: A Long-Term Serviceman
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, from Sacramento, California, was also among those who lost their lives. Vic Marzan, his brother, shared in a statement, “My brother died for our country. He was a lifetime serviceman. Loved his family and country.” Marzan’s niece, Irene Mary, expressed her grief and admiration for her uncle, writing, “You're our Hero with a servant's heart, you lead with love and bravery, you gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, an honorable soldier, and I believe God welcomed you Home with open arms saying ‘Well done, my son, well done.’”
Honors and Achievements
Maj. O'Brien received numerous awards and decorations, including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. Chief Marzan’s service was marked by his commitment and dedication, as evidenced by his long-term military career and his final deployment, which was set to conclude in the near future.
These memorials underscore the significant sacrifice made by these soldiers and the deep respect and gratitude owed to their families and the broader community.
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