Cody Khork, fallen soldier in Middle East, honored by military and family: ‘Unapologetically American’

WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA: At a funeral service honoring his life, service, and sacrifice, family and friends of Capt Cody Khork, a US Army Reserve soldier who died in the Middle East, came together to pay their respects.

Khork, 35, from Winter Haven, Florida, was one of six Army Reserve members who died in a drone strike on a command center in Kuwait.

Military leaders highlight service and sacrifice

Khork was among the first US soldiers killed in Operation Epic Fury, a joint mission with Israel against the Iranian regime.

His memorial service came exactly three weeks after he was killed by an Iranian drone strike on the port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1.

Retired Col. Scott LaRonde, Master Sgt. Robert Bunch, and Brig. Gen. Jonathan Bennett hailed Khork’s natural leadership skills.

LaRonde and Khork were stationed in Senegal together for a period. The retired colonel said Khork emanated motivation and passion for service.

“As we mourn his loss today, please internally recognize your gain for having known him and for having been his friend, his family, for having served with him,” LaRonde said.

Bennett served at Guantanamo Bay with Khork, who quickly became his go-to soldier for any task or operation.

“I promise you that he was where he wanted to be,” Bennett said, referring to Khork’s deployment to Kuwait. “He was where he wanted to be, leading from the front.”

Service defined by sacrifice and dedication

During the service, Master Sgt. Robert Bunch, speaking on behalf of Khork’s military colleagues, described his service as defined by dedication and sacrifice.

“We gather here today with heavy hearts to honor and remember Major Cody Khork, who gave everything in service to our nation,” Bunch said.

"While many enjoy the freedoms of this nation, there are brave men and women willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect it. That level of selfless service is something we can never fully repay. But we can honor it by remembering his legacy.”

A message from Khork’s family was delivered by his stepmother, Stacey Khork, who described him as a leader who “led with integrity” and “gave his life in service to his country.”

“He led with integrity, he led with purpose, and he gave his life in service to his country. That's not just sacrifice, that's legacy. Thank you, Cody, for your courage, your heart, your laughter, and for the life you've lived so fully."

Childhood friend Doug recalled, “It was rare to see Cody sad for long periods of time, but when he was, it was probably because we were let down by the Gators.”

Speakers described Khork as embodying the values of duty and leadership, with colleagues noting his role within his unit and contributions to operations.

“Little did I know that this skinny kid with thick glasses would change my life, my neighborhood's life, become family, and ultimately be an American hero,” Doug said. “Most importantly, Cody was unapologetically American.”