'He cared about everyone': Colleagues remember CWO3 Robert M Marzan, 54, killed in Iran war

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M Marzan has been remembered by his colleagues as one of them claimed that “he cared about everyone”. 

The 54-year-old fallen service member was one among six soldiers who died during an Iranian airstrike in Port Shuaiba in Kuwait on March 1. Other soldiers, assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa, who lost their lives were Army Reserve Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Captain Cody Khork, Sgt Noah Tietjens, Sgt Nicole Amor, and Sgt Declan Coady.

Robert M Marzan's colleague says one 'could always depend on him to find the answer'

Janet Townley of Prairie City, who worked with Marzan in Des Moines, remembered him as “very good” on whom one “could always depend on him to find the answer”.

She also appreciated him for being “dedicated to his job and helping people,” as she added, “He always had your back, no matter who you were. He cared about everyone.”

Another colleague calls Robert M Marzan 'an outstanding leader'

Chad Sparr, a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Bennet as well as a former colleague of Marzan, who had served in the 103rd, called him “a true friend”.

In a Facebook post, he shared, “This is a hard one. This wasn’t just my last unit before retirement — it was family. And losing Chief Marzan makes it even harder.”

Calling him “an outstanding leader,” Sparr noted, “He was the one who believed in me, to recruit me to the 103rd ESC to support them during the 2010 deployment. I will always be grateful for that.”

“Rest easy, Chief, you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. 🇺🇸 RIP, my friend. I’m proud to have served with you,” he added.

Politicians remember Robert M Marzan for his 'steadfast commitment'

Meanwhile, leaders and politicians have also paid their tributes to the fallen officer.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement, “California mourns the loss of Chief Warrant Officer Three Marzan, a courageous Californian whose service to our nation was marked by honor and distinction.”

He also appreciated Marzan’s “steadfast commitment” that “exemplifies the highest ideals of our state and our country.”

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger posted on X, “My heart is with the family of Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert M. Marzan, a brave American who was killed in Kuwait. Adam and I are praying for his family, friends, and loved ones. As they mourn him, we honor his service and sacrifice.”

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert M. Marzan of Sacramento, the sixth American service member killed in the war with Iran. May he rest in peace. And may God comfort his wife and family,” Senator Alex Padilla added.