‘It’s just not fair’: Mother of soldier Noah Tietjens killed in Kuwait says she ‘can’t stop crying’

BELLEVUE, NEBRASKA: The family of Sgt Noah Tietjens mourned the Iowa National Guard soldier who was killed in a drone strike in Kuwait.

This was just days after a wave of military attacks spread across the Middle East.

Tietjens was one of the US service members killed by an Iranian drone strike during Operation Epic Fury in Kuwait.

Mother talks of pain of losing son

Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska, was one of six US service members killed when an Iranian drone struck a US command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.

As tributes poured in from fellow soldiers and community leaders, his mother’s grief offered a poignant and deeply personal picture of the loss felt far from the battlefield.

His mother posted a note on Facebook, confirming his death.

“Just to let everyone know our son Noah Tietjens was killed in Kuwait yesterday. We have no information at this time. When we learn more we will let you know. We just ask for some time to wrap our head around all of this! Thanks!” Glenda Wetzel Tietjens wrote.

For Tietjens’ mother, the pain is immediate and raw. “Can't sleep, eyes hurts, heart hurts and is broken, chest hurts too! It's just not fair!! Can't stop crying!”

Legacy of service, sacrifice, and loss

Family and friends remembered Tietjens as a devoted father, a service member with a generous spirit, and a mentor to younger soldiers.

Nebraska Gov Jim Pillen said in a statement honoring Tietjens, "We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers.”

“Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world – a sacrifice we must never forget. Please join us in praying for the Tietjens and for all members of the United States military who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedom.”

“An order regarding the flying of flags at half-staff to honor Sgt Tietjens will be announced shortly,” he added.

The deaths of Tietjens and his fellow soldiers have shown how much it costs in human lives to keep US troops overseas.

As the Pentagon identifies more of the dead and dignified transfers take place, people all over the country are being asked to think about the sacrifices made by those in uniform and the families they leave behind.

Three others who lost their lives along with Tietjens were Capt Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Fla; Sgt 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, along with two more soldiers named Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, from Sacramento, California, and Maj Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, from Indianola, Iowa.