Funeral services held for Iowa soldiers Sgt Declan Coady and Maj Jeffrey O’Brien killed in Iran war
DES MOINES, IOWA: Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 21, for two Iowa soldiers, Sgt Declan Coady and Maj Jeffrey O’Brien, who were killed during a drone attack in Kuwait on March 1. The two men were members of the Des Moines-based 103rd Sustainment Command and were among six soldiers lost in the strike.
Following a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base attended by President Donald Trump, the fallen soldiers returned to Iowa this past Thursday. They were honored with a miles-long vehicle procession as they were moved to their respective funeral homes.
Funeral service for Maj Jeffrey O’Brien
The funeral for Major Jeffrey O’Brien, who died aged 45, was held at Valley Church.
Speakers remembered the Waukee resident and Iowa State University graduate as a man who placed his family above all else.
His colleague, Brandon Potter, reflected on O’Brien’s commitment to his wife, Roxane, and their three children.
“It’s no surprise, but his family was clearly the center of his world. You could hear it in the way he spoke about you and how he carried himself. How he prioritized you, the sense of responsibility he had, and the big smile on his face whenever he talked about what you all did on the nights and weekends,” Potter stated.
Brigadier General Charles M Causey, Deputy Chief of Chaplains, also spoke to O'Brien's character.
He said, "Jeff answered the call to serve something greater than himself. He wore the uniform with honor and courage and selfless service. He gave his life in his service to the nation, a sacrifice that humbles all of us."
Furthermore, Lt Col Jeff Frisby, O'Brien's colleague, added, "He was selfless. He was here because he loved what he did and because he loved making the lives of everyone around him better. There's a huge hole in the world because he's gone but his legacy and memory will live forever in the countless lives he touched. I miss you man. Rest easy."
Funeral service for Sgt Declan Coady
Meanwhile, in the afternoon, loved ones gathered at The Bridge to remember 20-year-old Sergeant Declan Coady.
West Des Moines native, Drake University sophomore, and Eagle Scout Sgt Coady was described as a talented person during his service.
During the service, family member Crandall Gall shared a message regarding Coady’s lasting impact on his community and fellow ROTC members.
“As we move forward and face life without him, I think Declan would remind all of us to not let him slow us down. That we’ve got this, and if there’s one thing we know about Declan is that he will still be the calm in the storm just in a different way now,” Gall said.
After the individual services concluded, both soldiers were transported to the Iowa Veterans Cemetery for burial. The ceremonies included full military honors to recognize their ultimate sacrifice during the operations in the Middle East.
